Student in grades 9-12 write 500-1,000 word essay on a patriotic topic provided.

The 2019 topic was: “How would our founding fathers respect the American Flag today?”

Entrants participate in state-wide contest with intermediate “knock-outs”.

3 Scholarships: $3,500, $3,000 and $2,500 (first prize winner also gets invited to State Convention to read his essay to convention delegates).

Deadline for applications: Mid January

Download Brochure: http://pa-legion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/2019-Dept.-Essay-brochure-9-12-grades-5.pdf

2018 Winning Essay: http://pa-legion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/scanner@pa-legion.com_20181120_093202.pdf

For more information go to https://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/essay/

“A Constitutional Speech Contest”

Students in grades 9-12 give two speeches. The first is an 8-10 minute memorized speech on a topic of his/her choice within the general category of a citizen’s duty and obligations under our Constitution. The second speech will be selected at random from a list of assigned topics. This topic is 3 – 5 minutes.

Students compete at the state level and the winner proceeds to the National.

PA awards top three winners with scholarships of $9,000, $5,000 and $4,000.

National scholarships are: $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000.

Deadline for applications: Mid-January

For more information and official rules go to: https://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/oratorical/

June 9 – 15, 2019

York College of Pennsylvania

This is a 6 day camp for students interested in joining the military or law enforcement. Cadets march in platoon formation and participate in a drill competition. The program includes physical training, forensics, canine, crime codes, rock climbing, drug laws, radar, marksmanship course and familiarity with weapons. Applicants should be physically fit, be in good health and have a good academic record.

This is not a recreational camp or a disciplinary camp.

Eligible for male or female students, age 15-17 prior to entering the camp on June 11. Must be a resident of Pennsylvania.

The cost of $175 which includes room and meals is paid for by the sponsoring post. There is NO COST to the student.

Transportation is responsibility of the parent (hardships considered).

Three $1,000 scholarships at conclusion of camp.

Deadline for applicants: May 15 (recommend applying as early as possible).

For more information go to: https://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/state-police-youth-week/

June 16-22, 2019

Shippensburg University

KBS, established in 1937, is an educational workshop for high school student leaders. Attendees gain leadership skills through an intensive week-long program. The focus of KBS is an in-depth simulation of state and local government in Pennsylvania. As members of two fictional political parties, participants vie for office and work to pass legislation to overcome political, economic and social challenges. They also have opportunities to operate businesses and run active television and print media.

Eligibility: High school students (boys) who have completed their junior year and have at least one semester remaining before graduation. The American Legion Auxiliary has a parallel program for girls.

The cost of $175 which includes room and meals is paid for by the sponsoring post. There is NO COST to the student.

Transportation is responsibility of the parent (hardships considered).

There are 5 (five) $1,000 scholarships awarded at the end of the program. Two attendees will be selected as Boys Nation Senators from Pennsylvania. Boys Nation is similar to Boys State but has a federal focus. Boys Nation is a one week program in Washington DC.

Samsung scholarships of $10,000 for eligible participants.

Some notable previous participants in Boys State: US Astronaut Neil Armstrong, Tim Cook (CEO, Apple, Inc.) US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, Former US President Bill Clinton, Singer Jon Bon Jovi to name a few. Deadline for applicants: May 31 (recommend applying as early as possible).

For more information go to: https://pa-legion.com/programs/student-programs/keystone-boys-state/