Elks National Foundation — Most Valuable Student Scholarship
U.S. citizens in their final year of high school who plan to study full time toward a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution. The national contest announces 500 awards; the general range is $1,000 to $7,500 per year, subject to competition and enrollment. Selection weighs academics, leadership, and financial need.
About Elks National Foundation — Most Valuable Student Scholarship
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) is the national foundation connected to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Its Most Valuable Student contest serves students in their final year of high school who are preparing for college. The national application does not require an applicant to be related to an Elks member. The site separately lists legacy, emergency, and lodge scholarships, so applicants should identify the right program before starting an application.
For the 2027 contest, applicants must be U.S. citizens on the application date, current high-school seniors or an accepted equivalent, and plan to enroll full time in a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution. The site excludes students who have already graduated high school and says permanent residency does not replace citizenship. A vocational certificate, two-year program, or college outside the United States is not the fit for this national award.
ENF announces 500 scholarships for four-year study, with a general range of $1,000 to $7,500 per year and specific awards determined competitively. The 2027 page identifies 20 top awards of $30,000 and 480 awards of $4,000 for the other national finalists; the top group must attend Leadership Weekend to receive the highest award. These figures describe a competitive contest and its conditions, not a guaranteed payment for every applicant or an automatic renewal outside the award terms.
Applicants submit online through the MVS page. Review considers academics, leadership, and financial need; students should provide accurate information and follow each portal instruction. The published deadline is November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. ENF expects to announce the 500 national winners in April 2027. Save the submission confirmation and monitor the email account used, since finalists must complete verification before an award is issued.
Do not confuse national awards with local scholarships. An Elks lodge, state association, or district may run a separate program with different amounts, residency rules, timing, and eligibility. For questions about the national contest, ENF lists scholarship@elks.org and 773-755-4732. The profile summarizes the organization’s location and official channels; the best next step is to review current rules and locate the official application before spending time on documents.
Who it serves and what it can cover: U.S. citizens in their final year of high school who plan to study full time toward a four-year undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution. The national contest announces 500 awards; the general range is $1,000 to $7,500 per year, subject to competition and enrollment. Selection weighs academics, leadership, and financial need.
How to apply or get help: The 2027 application closes November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Contact: scholarship@elks.org or 773-755-4732. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
National college scholarship competition for high-school seniors