Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner in 2022 received a $25,000 scholarship. Second place received $22,500, and third received $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round received a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advanced past the first round received an additional $2,000 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

High school students under age 20 are eligible, and not graduated before the date of the contest. Competition begins at the Post level and advances to a District, then State level competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the National Contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers..

Speaking subjects must be on some/any aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are to be 8 to 10 minutes long; followed by a three-to-five minute speech on an assigned topic chosen randomly the day of the contest.