Updated, Oct. 2: The opening of the 2014 scholarship window has been delayed to Monday, Oct. 7.
Being an Eagle Scout pays off, in some cases literally.
The National Eagle Scout Association offers scholarships for Eagles entering college, a big help for families as tuitions continue to rise at universities nationwide.
Graduating high schoolers can apply for 2014 NESA scholarships beginning Oct. 1, 2013, with a submission deadline of Dec. 31, 2013.
But today, let’s look at some statistics that illustrate how the impact of those scholarships has grown over time.
Number of scholarships awarded
The number of NESA scholarships awarded jumped from 77 in 2007 to 218 in 2013. That’s an increase of 183 percent.
In a sign of skyrocketing generosity from Scouting benefactors, the biggest year-to-year jump in scholarship numbers happened this year.
- 2007: 77 total scholarships awarded
- 2008: 89
- 2009: 109
- 2010: 146
- 2011: 148
- 2012: 149
- 2013: 218
Scholarship money awarded
In just seven years, the total money given out to Eagle Scouts for scholarships has gone from almost a quarter-million dollars to well over a half-million dollars.
In 2007, $224,000 in scholarships was awarded; this year, $594,500 will be awarded.
That’s a jump of 165 percent in less than a decade.
- 2007: $224,000 given out
- 2008: $270,000
- 2009: $314,000
- 2010: $391,000
- 2011: $396,000
- 2012: $446,000
- 2013: $594,500
Once again, the biggest year-to-year increase was 2012 to 2013, a good sign that the future of NESA and Scouting as a whole is strong.
Types of scholarships awarded
A big reason for the increase in the total amount of scholarships awarded is the introduction of the $25,000 United Health Foundation scholarship in 2010 and the $50,000 NESA STEM scholarship in 2012.
That’s an impressive chunk of change and a great motivator for Eagle Scouts.
Mark your calendar
Be sure to circle Oct. 1, 2013, on your calendar. That’s when Eagle Scouts you know can begin applying for the next round of scholarships.
Support the Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund
Contribute to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarship Fund. Donations to this fund go directly to providing scholarships to deserving Eagle Scouts, allowing them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
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