Military Veterans From 42 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico Receive College Scholarships

The Horatio Alger Association Gives Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan a Chance at Higher Education and Life Opportunities

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that 233 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 currently supports 2,114 returning veterans, giving them a chance to obtain a higher education and consequently broader life opportunities.

"We are proud to have more than 2,000 veterans as part of the Horatio Alger Association. These young men and women have fought to protect our country and should be given the benefits of an education upon returning home," said Horatio Alger Association Executive Director Terrence J. Giroux.

The scholarship fund, totaling more than $15 million, is sponsored by Horatio Alger Member, Chairman Emeritus and Treasurer, Ambassador George L. Argyros and his wife Julia of Costa Mesa, CA. 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.

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
    2008 spring term;
--  Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0;
--  Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity;
--  U.S. citizenship.
    

To date, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded 2,114 Military Veterans Scholarships in each branch of the military:

Air Force: 107
Army: 928
Marine Corp: 662
National Guard: 271
Navy: 146

Editors Note: To view all 2008 Military Scholarship recipients please visit http://www.horatioalger.com/scholarships_military/awards.cfm

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 state scholarship programs available to high school seniors in all 50 states, and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. The Association awards more than $12 million annually in college scholarships and has given over $62 million to deserving students since 1984. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.