Scholarships
Three scholarships are awarded during Texas Boys State.
F.C. “Mac” McConnell American Legion Boys State Scholarship
F.C. “Mac” McConnell was a central figure in the establishment and early growth of the Boys State program in Texas. Each year, senior Boys State staff select a top performing Boys Stater to receive a scholarship. One award is given and the size of the award is dependent upon the amount of income derived from the fund.
Samsung American Legion Scholarship
The Samsung Group, an international electronics company, endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million to be administered by The American Legion, to show appreciation to U.S. veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, involvement in school and community activities, and financial need. Applicants are eligible if they are high school juniors; are selected as delegates to attend Boys State or Girls State; and are direct descendants (e.g., child, grandchild, legally adopted child) of a U.S. veteran who served during a period of war. The Samsung Scholarship application is mailed to Boys State delegates well in advance of the program. If you have not received an application, please contact us.
The size and number of scholarships awarded each year is dependent upon the amount of income derived from the fund. In 2007, ten boys and girls nationally each received a $20,000 scholarship.
Senior Counselor Memorial Scholarship
Members of the all-volunteer Boys State staff decided in the early 2000s to establish a scholarship fund in memory of Boys State counselors who had passed away after more than a decade of service to the program.
Each year, senior Boys State staff select top performing Boys Staters to receive a scholarship. The size and number of scholarships awarded each year is dependent upon the amount of income derived from the fund, and senior counselors continue to make sizable donations to the scholarship program to increase its impact.
