The American Legion Legacy Scholarship for 2018 is awarding $744,436 in financial aid to 41 children of the fallen and disabled. The announcement was made by the Americanism Commission on May 10, to the National Executive Committee (NEC) during the organization's Spring Meetings in Indianapolis.

The Legacy Scholarship is available for children of veterans who died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, or post-9/11 veterans who have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or higher. Recipients of the needs-based scholarship can receive up to $20,000 for six years for the expense of graduate or post-graduate tuition, books, room and board, meal plans and other supplies needed to achieve a higher education. The grant amount each scholarship recipient receives is based on his or her financial need after all federal and state aid is exhausted. Recipients will have a year to use the grant and may reapply to the scholarship up to six times.

Starting in 2017, The American Legion expanded eligibility and aid amount for the Legacy Scholarship following the NEC's passing of Resolution 1 during the 2016 Spring Meetings. In 2017, $671,892 was awarded to 55 children of the fallen and disabled. Read testimonials here.

The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of financial aid granted to each awardee (this includes returning applicants) will be determined on donations to the scholarship fund and one's financial needs.

The American Legion Riders have been the most dedicated fundraiser and supporter of the Legacy Scholarship through their annual Legacy Run. The Run has raised more than $1 million for the Legacy Scholarship Fund for the past three years.

For more information about the Legacy Scholarship or to make a donation to the Legacy Scholarship Fund, visit www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy.