The Elks National Foundation Scholarships | USA is a prestigious undergraduate scholarship for American high school seniors. This scholarship programme offers significant financial support, providing recipients with up to $12,500 per year over four years to cover educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, books, and fees. The foundation awards 500 scholarships annually, with a total value of $3 million distributed to outstanding students.
Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
- Institution(s): Accredited U.S. Colleges and Universities
- Location: USA
- Deadline: November each year
- Number of Awards: 500 four-year scholarships
- Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
Benefits
The Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programme offers the following benefits:
- 500 Four-Year Scholarships: Awarded to the highest-rated applicants in the competition.
- Award Range: From $1,000 to $12,500 per year, based on the student’s needs and tuition costs.
- Total Award Value: Up to $50,000 over four years for the top finalists.
- National Competition: Applicants who progress through local, district, and state levels can compete at the national level.
- Leadership Weekend: Top finalists are invited to attend a Leadership Weekend in Chicago, IL, where the final national winners are selected.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Elks National Foundation Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens by the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible).
- High School seniors: applicants must be current high school seniors or the equivalent.
- Full-Time Enrolment: Scholarship recipients must enrol full-time (minimum of 12 semester hours) at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- No Elks membership requirement: applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
- High School graduates: Applicants who have already graduated from high school are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply
To apply for the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Start your application by visiting the Elks National Foundation Scholarship Page.
- Online Application: Complete the online application form and provide the necessary information, including academic records, leadership activities, and community service.
- Submit to Local Lodge: Submit your application to the nearest Elk Lodge based on your home address. Be sure to research your local Elks Lodges before applying.
- National Competition: Applicants must advance through local, district, and state levels to reach the national competition, where top finalists will compete for the larger awards.
Application Deadline
- Application Deadline: November each year (exact dates may vary).
- National Winners Announcement: Late April 2026.
