Scholarships

The American Legion Department of Tennessee is inviting students in grades 9–12 to participate in the 2027 National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, also known as the “Constitutional Speech Contest.” This is a great opportunity for students to strengthen their public speaking skills, develop leadership qualities, and earn scholarship money while demonstrating their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students who participate in the Tennessee state contest will compete for a total of $6,000 in scholarships. The state winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, to compete in the national contest on May 14–16, 2027. The national competition also offers students the opportunity to compete for a share of an additional $167,500 in scholarships.

How to Apply

Students interested in participating should complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Oratorical Contestant Application/Certification Form.
2. Return the completed form to your local American Legion Post or District Chairman, as instructed.
3. Complete the required Compulsory Volunteer Background Check.

Important Deadline: The application and school certification must arrive at the American Legion Department of Tennessee by January 22, 2027.

For additional information about the contest, please review the Department Oratorical Information Package.

If you have questions or would like more information about participating, please contact Chairman Steven Pecinovski at 615-519-6523 or [email protected].

I encourage all interested students in grades 9–12 to explore this opportunity to develop valuable communication skills, learn more about our nation's Constitution, and compete for scholarship awards.

The Tennessee Concrete Association (TCA) is hosting its annual High School Essay Contest, and Tennessee high school students are encouraged to participate! This is a great opportunity to showcase your writing skills and earn a cash prize.

Cash Prizes

• First Place: $750 VISA gift card
• Second Place: $500 VISA gift card
• Third Place: $250 VISA gift card

In addition to the cash prizes, the winning essays will be published in the spring edition of Tennessee Concrete Magazine. The school contact associated with a winning essay will also receive a $75 VISA gift card or school donation.

Essay Contest Requirements

• Eligibility: Open to Tennessee high school students ages 16–18 at the beginning of the school term.
• Length: Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and no more than 600 words.
• Format: Include a header with your name and the title of your essay.
• Writing Style: The essay should be a short literary composition, not a report.
• Judging: Essays will be evaluated on content and writing ability, including grammar, style, and clarity.

Students should demonstrate an understanding of how concrete impacts everyday life as a building material used in homes, commercial buildings, streets, and highways.

Essay Prompt:

How have you or your community been shaped by concrete?

Submission Deadline: December 11, 2026

Essays must be submitted through the Tennessee Concrete Association's online submission form.

If you enjoy writing and would like the opportunity to earn a cash prize while sharing your perspective on how concrete has shaped your life or community, I encourage you to consider participating.

The Hagan Scholarship is an opportunity for high-achieving, goal-driven high school seniors who have financial need and plan to attend a four-year college or university after graduation.

The Hagan Scholarship is designed to help students achieve their educational goals while encouraging responsibility, hard work, and personal growth. Up to 1,500 scholarships may be awarded for the 2027–2028 academic year.

Before applying, it is very important to review the scholarship requirements carefully. Recipients must meet specific requirements each semester to continue receiving scholarship funding.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, students must meet all of the following requirements:

• Attend a high school located in the United States. Eligible schools include public, private, charter, magnet, and STEM schools.
• Be a member of the high school graduating class of 2027.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.
• Be goal-driven and willing to work to achieve personal and educational goals.
• Provide a current high school transcript.
• Provide an unsealed letter of recommendation.
• Enroll in an eligible four-year college or university during the first fall semester after high school graduation. Community colleges, junior colleges, and online institutions are not eligible.
• Maintain a four-year college graduation schedule, or complete the equivalent within four years if enrolled in a professional program.
• Complete 240 hours of qualifying employment between January 1, 2027, and September 1, 2027, to qualify for a fall semester scholarship disbursement. Employment must be regularly scheduled, paid, non-family employment under supervision. Full-time and part-time work are both acceptable.
• Have a parent-adjusted gross household income of no more than $125,000 for the 2025 federal income tax year.
• Apply for federal and state grants if eligible.

Students of any citizenship status may apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Additional documentation will be required for selected finalists based on citizenship status.

Important Application Information

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
• Students may apply only once.
• Applicants must create a username and password to access the online application.
• Scholarship recipients must continue meeting the program's requirements each semester to maintain their scholarship.

How to Apply and Prepare

1. Complete the Hagan Scholarship Application.
2. Review the Hagan Scholarship Brochure for an overview of eligibility requirements, responsibilities, and benefits.
3. Read the Tips on How to Prepare a Successful Application before submitting your application.
4. Carefully review the Scholarship Particulars to understand the requirements you must maintain if awarded the scholarship.
5. Check the Application Timeline for updates.

The Hagan Scholarship emphasizes that it is a scholarship students must continue to earn by meeting the program's expectations each semester. Students should make sure they understand the academic, employment, financial, and other requirements before applying.

If you are a graduating senior who meets these criteria, I encourage you to review the information and consider applying. Be sure to allow enough time to gather your transcript, letter of recommendation, and any other required information before the December 1 deadline.

The Scarlett Family Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for students who plan to pursue a degree in Business or a STEM field. If you are planning to attend college after graduation, this may be a great opportunity to help with your college expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, students must meet the following requirements:

• GPA: Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• ACT Score: Earn an ACT score of 21 or higher.
• Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need.
• High School: Graduate from a high school located in one of Middle Tennessee's 40 counties.
• College Enrollment: Plan to attend a four-year, not-for-profit college or university in Tennessee.
• Intended Major: Pursue a degree in Business or a STEM field.

The scholarship also applies to students planning to attend Western Kentucky University or the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Application Information

The application will open on January 5, 2027. Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to review the scholarship details and prepare to apply when the application becomes available.

If you are interested in pursuing a Business or STEM degree and meet the requirements, I encourage you to explore this opportunity and plan ahead for the application process.

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers a variety of national scholarships for students pursuing college degrees in many different fields. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, career goals, and, for some awards, financial need or other specific qualifications.

Whether you plan to study history, education, healthcare, or another field, there may be a DAR scholarship that fits your interests and future goals.

Available Scholarship Categories

The DAR offers scholarships in several areas, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships for students who demonstrate academic achievement.
• Scholarships for DAR Members' Children for eligible sons and daughters of DAR members.
• History, Economics, Government, and Political Science for students pursuing degrees in these fields.
• Medical, Nursing, and Occupational or Physical Therapy for students entering healthcare-related careers.
• Elementary and Secondary Teacher Education for students preparing to become teachers.
• American Indian Scholarships for eligible students.
• General Scholarships for students pursuing other areas of study.

Each scholarship may have its own eligibility requirements, including GPA, financial need, intended major, or enrollment in a specific academic program. Be sure to review the requirements for each scholarship before applying.

General Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a national DAR scholarship, students must:

• Be a United States citizen.
• Attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States.
• Meet the specific eligibility requirements for the scholarship they are pursuing.

Sponsorship by a local DAR chapter is not required. However, students may contact a DAR chapter in their area for assistance with their applications.

Application Dates and Information

The online application portal is open November 1 through January 31 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time.

Students can access the application and additional information through the following resources:

• DAR Online Scholarship Application Portal
• DAR Scholarship Information and Application Checklist
• DAR Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

What Students Need to Prepare

Before beginning the application, students should gather the following materials:

• Career Statement: A typed statement of 1,000 words or fewer explaining your career objectives.
• Transcript: A copy of your most recent high school transcript. An unofficial transcript may be submitted with the application.
• Letters of Recommendation: At least two and no more than four recommendations from individuals at your current high school or college. Recommendations should address your abilities, work habits, integrity, character, potential, and volunteer activities.
• Activities and Achievements: A list of extracurricular activities, honors, and academic achievements on one side of an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper.
• Proof of Citizenship: A copy of your birth certificate, naturalization papers, or the information page of your U.S. passport. If using a passport, cover the photograph. Black out any Social Security numbers that appear on submitted documents.
• Additional Documents: Depending on the scholarship, students may need to provide financial information or documentation showing acceptance into a specific program, such as nursing or medicine.

All application information and uploaded documents must be typed or computer-generated. Do not include personal photographs or handwritten documents, as either may result in disqualification.

Students selected to receive a scholarship may be asked to provide an official transcript. Be sure to check the requirements for your specific scholarship, as additional documentation may be necessary.

I encourage interested students to explore these opportunities and begin preparing their application materials early. With multiple scholarship categories available, the DAR may offer an opportunity that aligns with your academic interests and career plans.

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) offers generous four-year college scholarships along with comprehensive support services to help students succeed in college and develop their leadership potential.

The Foundation honors the legacy of Jackie Robinson by supporting highly motivated students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, a commitment to community service, and financial need. If you are planning to attend college after graduation and meet the eligibility requirements, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, students must meet the following requirements:

• Graduating Senior: Be a high school senior graduating in 2027.
• Citizenship: Be a United States citizen.
• Financial Need: Provide evidence of financial need.
• Academic Achievement: Demonstrate a record of academic excellence.
• Leadership and Service: Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service.
• College Plans: Plan to attend an accredited and approved four-year college or university in the United States, or an institution affiliated with a U.S.-based college or university.
• College Credits: Have earned no more than 25% of the credits required to graduate from college.

Application Requirements

Students should be prepared to submit the following as part of the application:

• One letter of recommendation.
• Demographic information.
• High school information, including a high school transcript.
• College and early career goals.
• Four essays.
• A list of activities, honors, and distinctions.
• Completion of the CSS Profile.
• SAT or ACT scores.

Important Application Dates

• September 2026: Application opens.
• January 14, 2027: Application deadline.
• February–April 2027: Application review.
• April–May 2027: Interviews.
• June 2027: Selected scholars announced.

How to Apply

For more information and to access the application, visit the Jackie Robinson Foundation website.

Because the application includes four essays, a recommendation, academic records, and financial information, I encourage interested students to begin preparing early rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.

If you are a motivated senior with a strong academic record, leadership experience, and a commitment to serving your community, I encourage you to review this scholarship opportunity and consider applying.