Today's college students often need financial help to complete their studies. Many lineage societies, whose missions include education and historical awareness, offer scholarships and monetary awards to qualified applicants. Here are some of those societies awarding financial aid to students:
Daughters of the American Revolution
The NSDAR awards multiple scholarships to students pursuing degrees in many different areas. Scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, sex or national origin, and they do not have to be members of the DAR. Applicants must be sponsored by a local DAR chapter, however. Potential applicants should contact a nearby chapter or the state scholarship chairman for more information about DAR scholarships.
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865
The Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War sponsors a college scholarship for students who are lineal descendants of Union veterans. Applications are only given after completion of the Freshman college year, as scholarships are only awarded to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
Society of Mayflower Descendants
Many state Mayflower societies offer college scholarships or monetary awards. Students seeking these awards should contact the Mayflower Society in the state in which they live. Requirements vary by society.
United Daughters of the Confederacy
The United Daughters of the Confederacy provides scholarships for lineal descendants of an eligible Confederate (that is, one who served honorably in the Confederate Army, Navy, or Civil Service or who gave Material Aid to the Cause). An applicant who is not a lineal descendant, but is a collateral descendant, must be a member of the Children of the Confederacy or the UDC. Scholarship candidates are sponsored by local Chapters, and application forms are available from the chapter.
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War awards two $1,000 scholarships annually for tuition and books to high school seniors and college students, both male and female.
Male applicants must be a current Member or Associate of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Female applicants must be the daughter or granddaughter of a current Member or Associate of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and a current member of at least one of the following organizations: Woman’s Relief Corps, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, or Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Sons of the American Revolution
The SAR sponsors an essay contest and ROTC/JROTC awards that may include cash prizes, as well as an Eagle Scout college scholarship. SAR membership is not a requirement.
The National Huguenot Society awards a $5000 scholarship to a qualified college or postgraduate student each year. The student must be a regular member of the National Huguenot Society. Some of the state Huguenot Societies or individual chapters also make financial awards to students; those interested should contact the Society in the appropriate state.
Applying for Financial Aid
While lineage societies are happy to encourage students in their endeavors, those interested in applying for these scholarships should carefully investigate the requirements, and then contact the particular society for forms and other information needed to complete a successful application.
Katharine Garstka - Katharine Garstka specializes in genealogical research and in historical and genealogical writing.
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