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Funding Amount

Up to $18,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Oratorical Contest

Program Type: Academic speaking competition with college scholarships

Overview: The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the Program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation's laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Notable Alumni: The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and FBN anchor Lou Dobbs.

Scholarship Information:

  • Total Available Annually: Over $138,000 in scholarships

  • National Winner: $18,000

  • Second Place: $16,000

  • Third Place: $14,000

  • Department (State) Winners (first round): $1,500 scholarship

  • Advancement Past First Round: Additional $1,500 scholarship

  • Scholarship Use: Can be used at any college or university in the United States

  • Awarded By: American Legion's National Organization

    • Eligibility:

  • High school students under age 20

    • Speaking Requirements:

  • Main Speech: 8-10 minutes on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution with emphasis on duties and obligations of citizens to government

  • Secondary Speech: 3-5 minute speeches on assigned topic

    • Competition Structure:

  • Begins at the Post level

  • Advances to state competition

  • Legion Department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest

  • Department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds

  • Final round determines the three top finishers

    • Contact: info@westwoodalpost320.com

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-leadershipeducation

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