The new online Most Valuable Student application was a hit with scholarship seekers. More than 30,000 high school students applied for the competitive scholarship, which is based on academics, leadership and financial need. That total represents a dramatic increase of more than 50 percent over the average from the three previous years!

Selection is now under way. Applicants must advance through Lodge, district and state judging to become one of 500 national semi-finalists. The top 20 finalists will meet in Chicago for the 2017 Most Valuable Student Leadership Weekend. The Elks scholars will bond with their #ElksFamily and serve together at the Jesse Brown V.A. Medical Center. They will also learn from current and former Elks scholars, gaining leadership skills specifically geared toward college communities.

As the judging process is just beginning, we want to wish every applicant the best of luck!

For 2016-17, the Elks National Foundation allocated $2.75 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.