The Horatio Alger Association Announces 416 New Military Veterans Scholarship Recipients

Association Also Opens Enrollment for 2008 Military Scholarship Program for Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that 416 new military veterans will receive college scholarships from the Association's program designed exclusively for those who have served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program offers returning veterans a chance to obtain a higher education and consequently broader life opportunities.

"We are extremely proud to add more than 400 military scholars to the Horatio Alger family. These remarkable veterans have fought to protect our country and should be given the opportunity for an education in return," said Horatio Alger Association Executive Director Terrence J. Giroux. "As more and more Americans continue to serve, our program continues to grow."

The scholarship fund totals more than $15 million, thanks to Horatio Alger Member and Treasurer, Ambassador George L. Argyros, and his wife Julia. The pair was inspired to create the program in 2005 as a means to demonstrate appreciation and offer educational opportunities that may result in an easier transition to civilian life.

The 2008 application will be available starting January 15 - April 15, 2008. Applications can be found at https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships_military/

Scholarship recipients will each be awarded $5,000 to support their undergraduate education. Eligible applicants to the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship must demonstrate the following:

--  Service under the United States Military in Operation Enduring Freedom
    in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning September 11, 2001 or
    later;
--  Honorable service record under the United States Military;
--  Critical financial need;
--  Intention to pursue a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) at an accredited
    college or university in the United States (awardees may begin their
    studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year
    institution);
--  No more than 60 cumulative semester/credit hours by the end of the
    2007 term;
--  Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0;
--  Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity;
--  U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
    

To date, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded 1,880 Military Veterans Scholarships in each branch of the military:

Air Force:              85
Army:                   831
Marines:                586
National Guard:         247
Navy:                   131

About The Horatio Alger Association

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program and various state scholarship programs for high school seniors and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. Award winners receive financial aid counseling and internship placement assistance. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org