Awards:

• The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships.

• Male and female students compete separately.

• Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.

• NOTE: The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners of the 2027 contest in April 2027. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.

Eligibility:

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.

• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.

• High school graduates are not eligible to apply.

• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

• Scholarships are available only to students who enroll in four-year undergraduate degree programs at accredited U.S. American colleges or universities.

Applicant must:

• Be a New Mexico resident Involved in extracurricular activities

• Have a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA

• Have experience in community service and a reflects “good citizenship” in the community

• Submit an essay (no longer than one-page double spaced size 12 font) reflecting community service involvement, good citizenship, extracurricular activities and how he or she will give back to the community. It is important to note why this scholarship will help with your future success and why this scholarship will help you to accomplish your goals in education. Your essay should also include your school and year of graduation as well as anything else you feel is important for the selection to consider such as family background, hobbies, career ambitions, etc. Your essay should also provide contact information for how you can be reached if selected. Application

The Daniels Scholarship Program is one of the most comprehensive and generous college scholarships in the country. It helps make college possible for high-achieving, values-driven students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Scholars receive up to a full cost of attendance scholarship and can attend the college or university of their choice throughout the country.

Daniels Scholars are known for their strong character, leadership, and commitment to service. United by shared values, they are tomorrow’s leaders committed to making a difference.

Through financial assistance and personal support, the Daniels Scholarship opens doors and builds lifelong networks. It’s more than a scholarship. It’s a launchpad for lives of purpose and impact.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a graduating senior and resident of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming

• Have an unweighted GPA of 3.0+

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States

• Demonstrate financial need through Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $100,000 or less on the federal tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent and review of other assets. If there are additional dependents, we allow for additional income.

• Have an ACT score of 18+ in each category OR an SAT Math score of 490+ and Reading & Writing score of 490+

Several state Grants and Scholarships are available to New Mexico residents to help pay for college. Unlike loans, grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. However there are conditions for eligibility such as established need, a minimum GPA or required number of completed credit hours per semester.