College Dreams Come True Thanks to Elks Scholarships

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Elks scholars dream big. With their sights set high, this fall, 500 Elks scholars will enter the hallways of their dream schools supported by an Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student scholarship, ready to embark on their college journeys.

No dream is too big for the Elks National Foundation. This year, the ENF is investing $3.74 million in college scholarships for our nation's future lawyers, doctors, engineers and more. We've invested wisely. MVS scholars—all of whom demonstrate scholarship, leadership and financial need—are graduating from college at a rate of 90 percent, nearly 40 percent higher than the national average.

Through the contest, the ENF will award 20 top scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The remaining 480 runners-up will receive $4,000 scholarships.

"Being an Elks scholar gives me hope, a dream and a family," says 2014 top scholarship winner Autumn Pack, who is attending Ohio University this fall. "I am now part of a family and support system that I'd have otherwise not been a part of."

For more on Autumn and other Elks scholars, visit www.youtube.com/ElksNationalFndn to watch Lead., a short video about the inaugural Most Valuable Student Leadership Weekend in Chicago.

The MVS scholarship is available to high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. Males and females compete separately and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Completed applications must be turned into the applicant's nearest Elks Lodge no later than December 5, 2014. The 500 national winners will be announced in late April 2015, after the top 20 finalists participate in the Leadership Weekend.

Applications for the 2015 contest are available on the Elks National Foundation's website. For complete Most Valuable Student scholarship contest details including the application, and to learn more about how the Elks are investing in your community, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

Contact: Elks National Foundation
Lydia Raabe | Communications Associate
2750 N. Lakeview Ave. | Chicago, IL 60614-2256
773/755-4860 | [email protected]
Helping Elks Build Stronger Communities

With nearly 800,000 members and 2,000 Lodges nationwide, Elks are providing charitable services that help build stronger communities across the United States. The Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, helps Elks build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. To learn more, visit www.elks.org/enf.

SOURCE Elks National Foundation