SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION
SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS & BEST PRACTICES
OVERVIEW
Current application system  Drawbacks and Feedback
Upcoming application system  Objectives and Processes
Dos and Don’ts of Application Preparation and Submission  Students & Judges
Samsung American Legion Scholars  Local and National Recognition
Samsung American Legion Alumni Association  Ongoing Engagement and Networking
APPLICATION SYSTEMS
Paper-based
Web-based
More paper, More problems
Streamlined and Consistent process
Integrity of the application
Controlled access and information
Relevancy and Response issues
Risk mitigation
Risk management
Cost reduction and modernization
ONLINE APPLICATION - STUDENT
1.
Create online application by creating unique Legion.org account
2.
Can save application and return for multiple sessions using personalized username / password
3.
Capability to upload supporting documents
4.
Counselor information submitted via download/upload process of required form
5.
Cannot submit application until all materials are uploaded, required fields are completed, and school
information has been submitted
6.
Upon submission, student may NOT change any information. Can print a complete version of their full
application upon submission.
7.
Notification of the scholar’s status is up to the department, as they will NOT be automatically notified
when the department submits their name as a national finalist
8.
Notified by National Organization of exact scholarship status and responsibilities following Fall
Meetings
9.
Any incomplete applications will not be seen by the department and will be deleted upon close of the
program’s deadline
ONLINE APPLICATION - DEPARTMENT
1. Receives current-year log-in credentials and department-specific code for BS/GS attendees
2. TAL only access to BS applicants / ALA only access to GS applicants
3. Will be able to view applications upon complete submission by applicant
4. Will be able to print same full version of the application as applicant
5. May require applicants to bring printed copy to BS/GS or may review completed apps online
6. Regardless, MUST enter scoring and certification through online scoring system
7. Certify ONE winner from each program prior to Aug. 1st
8. If desired, should download / copy / print all applications NLT Sept. 1st
9. Access codes, log-in information, and additional scholarship items emailed/mailed to Dept
Adjutants/Secretaries NLT 1 February
ONLINE APPLICATION - NATIONAL
1.
Full spectrum administrative access
2.
Paperless
3.
Provides guidance and technical support to applicants and departments
4.
Closes student access to applications the day a department’s respective BS/GS program begins (11:59:59)
5.
Closes department certification window on August 1st for national processing
6.
During vetting process will inform the department of any needs for nominated applicant
7.
Distribute all materials to national judges in preferred format
8.
Communicates directly with applicants if any additional information is needed after formal vetting with
department
9.
Notify winners of all necessary information and arrange national recognition
10. Wipe system of un-nominated applications after national vetting / wipe system of remaining applications as
of Fall Meetings
11. Work with departments to upgrade and improve online application system
BEST PRACTICES
DON’Ts
Accept illegible documents
Pass around department username/password
Accept unacceptable documents
Entrust only 1 person with scholarship
accountability
Advertise a certain amount for the lesser
scholarship
Ask to add something to a submitted
application
Create rules for the scholarship not part of the Simply accept the highest score as your
nominee
national program
BEST PRACTICES
DOs
Advertise the scholarship as a $20K
opportunity
Committee selection / Ensure integrity of
selection with national before announcing
Encourage students to find acceptable
veteran’s service proof EARLY
Complete the online process for submission of
department nominee
Apply as close to BS/GS as possible with a
cushion
Ask questions of your national education staff
Ensure all staff knows deadlines
Score the applications online
ILLEGIBLE DOCUMENT EXAMPLES
UNACCEPTABLE DOCUMENT EXAMPLES
ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENT EXAMPLES
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
 3 Days in Washington D.C.
 Chances to meet Senators
and Reps
 Introduction to our nation’s
capital
 Deeper organizational
learning and program
attachment
SAMSUNG AMERICAN LEGION ALUMNI
ASSOCIATION
 Network of high-achieving
professionals
 Legion leadership and
continued engagement
 Building of mentorship
relationship
 Program legacy
SUMMARY
 Current paper-based system being replaced by an online-only system to mitigate
risk and ensure accurate and up-to-date practices
Distinct, streamlined duties at each level (Applicant / Department / National)
National recognition model as a guide for local recognition
Upcoming SALAA to continue engagement / Promote future membership