Elks Award Nearly $4 Million in College Scholarships

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May 15, 2025, 14:55 ET

CHICAGO, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Elks National Foundation welcomed 850 students to the Elks family, awarding more than $3.9 million in scholarships to high school seniors. An Elks scholarship is more than just financial aid; it's an invitation to a network of service-minded peers and a promise that an Elks Lodge is always there with open arms.

Out of more than 21,500 applicants for the Most Valuable Student scholarship, the Top 20 scholars received $30,000 scholarships and a ticket to Chicago for the Leadership Weekend.

The class of 2025 Top 20 Most Valuable Student scholars gathered in front of the Elks National Memorial in Chicago for a group photo, accompanied by scholars from past classes who returned to serve as leaders during the MVS Leadership Weekend.

2025 Elks Legacy Awards recipients receive $4,000 scholarships. In the top row, from left to right, is Chandler Benjamin from New York, Tanner Fealy from Idaho, and Reese Hageman from New Jersey. In the bottom row, from left to right, is Kale Cornell from Oregon, Angiovanna McMahill from California, and Fynn Gullicks from North Dakota. All Legacy Awards recipients are the children or grandchildren of Elks members.

From May 1-4, the Leadership Weekend allowed scholars to get acquainted with their new Elks family through programming facilitated by current and former Elks scholars, team-building activities, and a service opportunity.

"The [Leadership] weekend was one of the most impactful experiences of my life," says Hannah Cross, sponsored by Ponca City, Okla., Lodge No. 2002. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity to meet other incredible students and to learn more about college and beyond. I'll forever cherish this powerful experience."

A total of 482 runners-up received $4,000 Most Valuable Student scholarships.

Service is a tenet of the Elks, which is why there's a service requirement for recipients of the $4,000 Legacy Awards scholarship, which is exclusively for the children or grandchildren of Elks members. The new class of 350 scholars will serve with an Elks Lodge three times during the four years they receive the scholarship.

"This recognition means so much to me," says MiKayla Klinger, sponsored by Tucumcari, N.M., Lodge No. 1172, "not just as a scholarship but as a reflection of the values and support the Elks continuously offer to families and communities like mine."

To see a full list of the scholarship winners and to learn more about the Elks National Foundation's scholarships, visit elks.org/scholars, follow the ENF on Instagram @ElksScholars, and like the ENF on Facebook @ElksNationalFoundation.

Contact: Elks National Foundation
Abbey Knupp | Manager, Communications
2750 N. Lakeview Ave. | Chicago, IL 60614-2256
773/755-4864 | [email protected]

Helping Elks Build Stronger Communities

The Elks National Foundation, the charitable arm of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, helps nearly 800,000 Elks and nearly 1,800 Lodges nationwide build stronger communities through programs that support youth, serve veterans, and meet needs in areas where Elks live and work. To learn more, visit elks.org/enf.

SOURCE ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION, INC.