The American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State Scholarships provide financial awards to participants of the Boys State program, recognizing leadership, achievement, and participation during the event. These scholarships support students as they pursue higher education while rewarding excellence demonstrated throughout the program.
Scholarship Details
- Ten scholarships awarded annually
- Total awards nearing $20,000
- Individual awards based on achievements and interviews during Boys State
- Maximum total award per student: $5,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a participant (citizen) of American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State
- Must demonstrate achievement, leadership, or success in program activities or interviews
- Some awards may require participation in essay or speech contests
Application Process
- Attend and participate in the Boys State program.
- Compete in interviews, contests, or activities held during the program.
- For the Samsung Scholarship, complete the required online application prior to arrival.
- Optional: Prepare for essay or speech contests once topics are released in early May.
We welcome a new group of proud Americans from all across Illinois to participate in this thing called Premier Boys State. They come from small towns and big cities not really knowing what to expect upon arrival. They show up, having been sponsored by the American Legion, or some other civic organization, with doubts about the week that is to come. They are ushered through a series of check-in events and eventually arrive in a beautiful concert hall to officially start a week that shapes a lifetime. This is only the beginning.
