By Helen Wilkinson
The Elks National Foundation is proud to announce the start of the 2022 Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship contest. The MVS scholarship is available to high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks. The judging criteria is based on academics, leadership, service, and financial need.
The application is completed online and must be submitted by the November 15, 2021, deadline. The 500 national winners will be announced in April 2022. The ENF will award 20 top scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The top 20 national finalists participate in the Leadership Weekend and interview for the top awards. The remaining 480 runners-up will receive $4,000 scholarships.
This year, the Elks National Foundation is investing $4.2 million in college scholarships. We’ve invested wisely. MVS scholars — all of whom demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to service — are graduating from college at a rate of 90 percent, 30 percent higher than the national average.
Applications for the 2022 contest are available on the Elks National Foundation’s website. For complete Most Valuable Student scholarship contest details including the application, visit enf.elks.org/MVS.
Senior students who submit MVS applications on or before the November 15, 2021, deadline but who do not receive a MVS scholarship will have their applications entered into the pool of Durango Elks Lodge #507 Scholarship applicants, with the potential to be chosen as a recipient of one of several Durango Elks Lodge local scholarships, to be announced in May 2022.
High school counselors within Durango Elks Lodge #507 service area are a good source to help seniors access information about the 2022 Most Valuable Student Scholarship Competition, or please email elks507scholarships@yahoo.com with questions.
To learn more about Elks National Foundation programs, including scholarships for Elks families and other youth programs, visit enf.elk.org.
Helen Wilkinson is a member of the Durango Elks Lodge #507 and current Scholarship Committee Chair.