Navy League Foundation Scholarship Program and 2004 Awards

By SUSAN K. FALLON
Director of the Navy League Foundation

Since its earliest days as the pre-eminent civilian organization in support of the sea services, the Navy League has made educating the nation’s government leaders a top priority. Likewise, the organization has put tremendous emphasis on the education and training of our nation’s youth — our next generation of leaders.

With the formal establishment of the Navy League Scholarship Program in 1989, by Ernest G. “Scotty” Campbell, the organization began to provide financial support to dependents and direct descendants of sea service personnel to help further their education.

Today, the national scholarship program is a cornerstone of the Navy League Foundation. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college are eligible to apply for one of 22 national awards. Ranging from one- to four-year grants of $2,500 each, these scholarships are designed to assist directly with tuition and academic expenses.

“The scholarship program is such a rewarding way to honor our commitment to look after our sailors, Marines, mariners, Coast Guardsmen and their families,” said Jewell H. Bonner, chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee. “These service members have sacrificed so much in defense of our country, and the Navy League is pleased to help ease the financial burden of college for their outstanding sons and daughters.”

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, leadership achievement, character and all-around ability, as well as financial need. In general, students awarded scholarships must be U.S. citizens who are intelligent, well-motivated young men and women, and who have demonstrated an appreciation of the laws, traditions and values of the United States.

Each of the Navy League Foundation Scholarships is endowed through a named award. Through the benevolence and generosity of individuals, foundations, corporations and Navy League members, the foundation is now able to award more than $47,000 in scholarship money annually. Each year, the foundation receives more than 300 applications from across the 50 states and U.S. territories.

To learn about establishing a scholarship in honor of an organization or individual, or to contribute to the Scholarship Program, please contact the Navy League Foundation at (703) 528-1775 or development@navyleague.org For a 2005 scholarship application visit us on the web at http://www.navyleague.org or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Navy League Foundation, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3308.