## About the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest The American Legion's National High School Oratorical Contest has been helping students develop leadership skills through public speaking since 1938. The contest requires participants to prepare and deliver speeches about the U.S. Constitution, earning scholarships at local, state, and national levels. ### Scholarship Awards - **1st Place National**: $25,000 scholarship - **2nd Place National**: $22,500 scholarship - **3rd Place National**: $20,000 scholarship - **State competition contestants**: $18,000–$19,000 scholarships - **Additional scholarships** at local and district levels ### How the Contest Works The contest proceeds through multiple rounds: 1. **Post (local)** competition — Sponsored by local American Legion posts 2. **District** competition 3. **Department (state)** competition 4. **National** competition — Held in Indianapolis, Indiana ### Eligibility Requirements - U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien - Currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. high school - Under 20 years of age on the date of the national contest - No previous participation in the national contest as a contestant ### Speech Requirements - **Prepared Oration**: 8–10 minute speech on the U.S. Constitution - **Assigned Topic Discourse**: 3–5 minute speech on a constitutional topic assigned at contest time ### How to Enter There is no national online application. Students contact their local American Legion post to find out about local competitions. Visit legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest to find your nearest post.