The Oratorical Scholarship Program in Texas will begin on November 7th, when high school students will enter competition to qualify for the National Oratorical Program, with an ultimate award of $203,500 in scholarships. Posts and schools may hold local contests during the fall if they so desire.
Scholarship Details
- The competition focuses on the United States Constitution and constitutional principles
- Students advance through local, district, division, and state competitions before reaching the national contest
- The Texas Department awards scholarships of $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place, and $500 for fourth place
- The Texas champion may receive additional national scholarship awards for advancing through the national competition
- National finalists receive $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second place, and $20,000 for third place
- Local contests must take place between November 7th and December 5th
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a student in grades 9 through 12 attending a public, private, or charter high school or be homeschooled
- Must participate through a local American Legion Post
- Must comply with The American Legion National Oratorical Contest rules
- Students advancing through the competition must participate at the applicable local, district, division, and state levels
- Texas scholarship recipients must enter college within one year after graduating from high school to receive their Department scholarship
Application Process
- Contact a local American Legion Post to learn about participation and the applicable local contest.
- Prepare for the constitutional oratorical competition according to The American Legion National Oratorical Contest rules.
- Participate in the local contest held between November 7th and December 5th.
- Advance through the district and division competitions if selected as a winner at each preceding level.
- Division winners must provide a copy of their prepared oration before competing in the Texas Department Finals.
- Compete in the Texas Department Finals, with the state champion advancing to the national competition.
Whenever possible, it is recommended that the Oratorical Program be presented before the student body of a high school. It is strongly recommended that the National Rules be strictly followed in all contests.
