The newest members of the Elks family have been notified of their National Finalist status in the 2016 Most Valuable Student competition. After advancing through the Lodge, District, and State, the 500 National Semi-Finalists recently received notification that they advanced to the national level of the competition. These 500 Elks scholars will all receive a scholarship of at least $4,000 to help them attend the colleges of their dreams. Click here to search a list of the 2016 MVS National Semi-Finalists.

Many of our newest Elks scholars have taken to social media to express their gratitude and excitement. When we shared a post from Jay Little, one of the 2016 MVS National Semi-Finalists, on the Elks National Foundation Scholars Facebook page, it received “likes” of encouragement and multiple comments with words of support from current Elks scholars and Elks members. And this is just the beginning of what is to come for these Elks scholars.

These outstanding students are now competing for one of the coveted top awards and a chance to attend the MVS Leadership Weekend in Chicago. The 500 National Semi-Finalists will submit a secondary application, and 20 outstanding scholars will be selected to attend the MVS Leadership Weekend in Chicago from April 22 to 24, 2016. By participating in the weekend, they will receive a scholarship of at least $20,000. During the weekend they will interview with a panel of national judges for a chance at a top award of $30,000, $40,000 or $50,000! Click here for more information about the action-packed Leadership Weekend. Stay tuned—the top 20 scholars will be announced in early April.

Once again, congratulations to these top students from across the country, and welcome to the Elks family!

For 2015-16, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.74 million to fund the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, which includes 500 four-year Most Valuable Student Scholarships. For more information about the Most Valuable Student scholarship program, including eligibility and deadlines, click here.