A. Two Plus Two Scholarship
A full “Two Plus Two” College Scholarship to attend two years at Tallahassee Community College followed by two years at Florida State University.
A Full college scholarship
Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University offer the Girls State Scholarship as a cooperative effort in recognition of outstanding leadership at the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program in Tallahassee. There will be a total of five scholarships awarded.
B. Samsung Scholarship
Worldwide electronics leader Samsung endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion in 1996. Meant to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during its struggle against communist forces in the Korean War, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the principal amount. In 2012, they estimate that they will award at least seven $20,000 scholarships.
Each year approximately 200 Florida Girls State citizens apply for the Samsung Scholarship. We select one citizen to compete with Boys and Girls State citizens from across the country for one of the $20,000 Samsung scholarships.
Am I eligible to apply for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship?
Scholarships are restricted to high school juniors who complete either a Boys State or Girls State program and are a direct descendant – i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild- or allegedly adopted child of a wartime veteran who served on active duty during at least one of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for American Legion membership.
Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.
You are eligible to participate if you complete the Florida Girls State Program and you are able to prove through documentation that you are a descendant (child, grandchild, great grandchild, or a legally adopted child) of a U.S. wartime veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligible. Those include:
- WWI: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- WWII: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
- Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
- Lebanon and Grenada: August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984
- Panama: December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
- Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. government
What is acceptable documentation?
Documentation showing veteran served on active duty during eligibility period(s) indicated on the front page of the application must be submitted. A copy is acceptable, and will not be returned. Types of acceptable documentation may include, but are not limited to, copies of DD214, Department of Defense documents, Department of the Army documents, Department of the Navy documents, Department of Air Force documents, Department of Veterans Affairs documents (federal or state), American Legion documents, Obituaries, and entries in a family Bible or Holy Scriptures. Your school seal is required on the 1st page of the application.
How can I obtain proof of military service?
A Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether the individual served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. This request form is NOT processed by VA. Rather, Standard Form 180 is completed and mailed to the appropriate custodian of military service records. Instructions are provided on the reverse of the form to assist in determining the correct forwarding address.
A copy of this form is located at: www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/docs/standard_form_180.pdf
Please note that this information was obtained from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information about proper documentation or to find a local office near you visit their website at http://www.va.gov/
How can I apply?
The American Legion Samsung Scholarship can be found on the National American Legion website by through this link http://www.legion.org/scholarships/samsung. The National Finalist from the Empire Girls State Session will be announced at our State of the State Ceremony on Friday evening. Her information will then be forwarded on to compete in the national competition. The national-level winners are announced in September!
How do I submit my application and supporting documents?
Bring your completed application and supporting documents with you to Empire Girls State. The application must be completed in full and handed in at the time of check in. Failure to do so will automatically disqualify you. American Legion Auxiliary members judge the finalists across the state.
If I win the scholarship, how can I use it?
Samsung scholarships are for undergraduate study only and may be used for tuition, books, fees, and room and board. Winners are selected according to academic record, involvement in school and community activities, community service and financial need. Applicants who are direct descendants of Korean War veterans will receive special consideration.
C. Girls Nation
Since 1947 Girls Nation has provided aspiring young women leaders firsthand experience with practical insight into how the federal government works. Two girls are selected from each Girls State program to attend Girls Nation, where they become “senators” who meet for a week long immersive learning in Washington, D.C. Senators campaign for the passage of mock legislation, submitting bills and resolutions, participating in Senate sessions, holding a national convention, and electing officials such as President and Vice President. The participants meet with real-life national government leaders. The highlight of the week includes a visit to the White House where for most years, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation senators have visited with the President of the United States. Special field trips include visits to the Arlington National Cemetery, Monument Tours, and a day on Capitol Hill meeting with State Senators and Representatives. While the event may happen once in a life-time, the memories made last a life-time!