Eagle Scouts who will graduate from high school in spring 2009 and
plan to attend an accredited college or university that awards a
bachelor’s degree can apply now for a National Eagle Scout Association
(NESA) scholarship.
In addition to their Eagle Scout rank, the candidates must have acceptable SAT and/or ACT scores, as judged by the review committee, and demonstrate leadership in Scouting and strong participation in activities outside of Scouting.
NESA awards a varying number of national $3,000 scholarships each year from its general fund, in addition to the Mabel and Lawrence S. Cooke Scholarships.
These include four $20,000 awards (payable at $5,000 per year) and one $48,000 scholarship (up to $12,000 for four years).
In addition, the Hall/Mc-Elwain Merit Scholarship pays a varying number of Eagle Scouts $1,000 awards.
As merit-based awards, these are available to students from their senior year in high school through their junior year in college.
Expect fierce competition. NESA receives more than 5,000 scholarship applications each year. It awards fewer than 100. Scholarship committees form each year in the BSA’s four regions: Northeast, Southern, Central, and Western. The NESA Scholarship Committee makes all final determinations.
Eagle Scouts can find an online application at www.nesa.org after Nov. 1, or they can pick up one at their local Scout council service center, or from NESA, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Ln., Irving, TX 75038.
Make sure the application arrives no later than Jan. 31, 2009.
