Oratorical Scholarship

American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship

The American Legion’s Constitutional Speech Contest helps students develop knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, public-speaking ability, leadership, and civic responsibility.

Eligibility and participation

• Open to eligible high school and junior-high students who are enrolled during the contest period.

• National guidance states that contestants must be under age 20.

• Competition normally begins through a local American Legion Post and advances through district, division, department/state, and national levels.

• Contestants prepare an 8- to 10-minute speech concerning the Constitution and deliver a separate 3- to 5-minute assigned-topic speech.

National scholarship awards

• First place: $25,000

• Second place: $22,500

• Third place: $20,000

• Each certified Department winner who participates in the national first round: $2,000

• A first-round winner who advances but does not reach the finals receives an additional $2,000.

Texas process

The 2026–2027 Department of Texas administrative schedule says local contests begin after November 1, 2026, district and division contests take place during January, and the Department contest is held in February. Local Posts are responsible for recruiting contestants and conducting or supporting the initial competition.