ALA Education Committee

The purpose of the Education Committee is to promote quality education for children – especially for military children – and adults.

Key Program Statements

  • To promote quality education for children, especially for military children, and adults
  • To encourage schools to invite veterans to speak in their classrooms
  • To provide scholarships for students who desire a college education
  • To Support legislation that establishes new scholarship opportunities
  • To support the Education program and scholarship opportunities of The American Legion

Auxiliary Members: Education Programs upcoming events, dates and deadlines.

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Education Program is a beacon of hope for countless individuals striving to achieve their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1919, this program has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting the education of veterans, their families, and the wider community. Here in Alaska our members volunteer hundreds of hours to promote the success of our students.

One of the most remarkable aspects Education Program is its inclusivity. It offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a high school senior looking to kickstart your college journey or a returning veteran seeking to further your education, ALA has your back.

But this program is about more than just financial assistance. It fosters a sense of community and gratitude among recipients, reminding them that their pursuit of education is not undertaken in isolation. It honors the sacrifices made by veterans and their families by investing in their futures.

In conclusion, the American Legion Auxiliary Education Program is a testament to the enduring commitment of the ALA to educational excellence and community support. By empowering individuals to achieve their educational aspirations, it leaves an indelible mark on the lives it touches.

Get Involved

Promote quality education for children, especially for military children, and adults. 

  • Participate in ALA’s Give 10 to Education.
  • Participate in Teachers Appreciation Week.
    • Contact local Parent Teacher Organizations or schools to see what your unit could sponsor or donate (e.g., donating doughnuts to your local schools).
    • Show your appreciation to teachers by designing and presenting certificates of appreciation.
    • Provide Teacher Survival Kits with fun and helpful items such as candy and snacks, tea bags or coffee, restaurant gift cards, or items for the classroom.
  • Participate in American Education Week, held every November.
    • Recognize school administrators and staff with special treats.
  • Encourage schools to participate in Month of the Military Child and Purple Up! Day in April to honor their students who are military children.
    • Sponsor a Purple Up! Day on April 15 in your school by providing purple items for students to wear.
    • Present the Military Child Table at your school, unit meeting, or at your post.
    • Sponsor a party for the military children in your school.

Encourage schools to invite veterans to speak in their classrooms. 

  • Work with your American Legion post to participate in Veterans in Community Schools.
  • Ask the teacher(s) to have their students make cards for the veteran.
  • Work with the teacher(s) to prepare students to ask questions of the veteran.

Support and promote the Education Program and scholarship opportunities of The American Legion Family. 

Provide scholarships for students who desire a college education. 

  • Work with your unit to create a scholarship.
  • Ask schools to allow you to do a bulletin board about scholarship opportunities within The American Legion Family.
  • Publish information in your local newspaper, libraries, and on your unit’s social media.
  • Host a “Scholarship Night” Zoom meeting to inform students and parents about Legion Family scholarship opportunities.
  • Start a partnership with a local college to provide their students with scholarship information.
  • Ask the local Board of Education to host a “Scholarship Workshop” in their schools.
    • Work with the schools to invite college administrators to speak.
    • Have volunteers assist students with scholarship applications.

Support legislation that establishes new scholarship opportunities.

  • Support The American Legion’s efforts by signing up for legislative alerts at https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home.
  • Contact your representatives and ask them to support scholarship opportunities, particularly those for veterans, military, and their families.

Deadlines/Important Dates

  • November 13-17, 2023: American Education Week
  • March 1: National scholarship applications due
  • April 15: Purple Up! Day for Military Children
  • May 6-10, 2024: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 15: Department chairmen reports due to division chairmen; cc: national chairman
  • June 1: Awards submissions due

Contact

Contact the Alaska Department of the American Legion Auxiliary or American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters to learn more.

Contact Education Chair:

Programs