DAR Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Daughters of the American Revolution

The American Indians Committee and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) provide a variety of scholarship opportunities. Each scholarship has unique eligibility requirements and may necessitate the submission of specific documents with your application. The scholarships cover a wide range of fields including nursing, law, business administration, English, math, chemistry, music (voice or piano only), American history, government, American Studies, historic preservation, horticulture, and elementary and secondary education. Two scholarships are exclusively for Native American students (proof of membership in a federally or state-recognized tribe is required) and over twenty scholarships are available for high school graduates, undergraduate students, or graduate students. Two scholarships are specifically for DAR members or their descendants/dependents (proof of DAR membership is required).

When you're ready to start your online scholarship application through DAR, ensure you have all necessary documents and information ready for submission. All information should be typed or computer-generated. If you mistakenly upload a document, you can find instructions for its removal in the FAQ section of your application.

Here are the documents and information you'll need:

• A personal statement of 1,000 words or less outlining your career goals.
• A recent copy of your high school, college, or graduate school transcripts, as applicable. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted initially, but official copies will be required if you're selected as a scholarship recipient. Home-schooled students must include transcripts from grade nine through their final year. GED holders should submit their GED transcript. Note that DAR no longer requires SAT or ACT scores, or class size or class rank for graduating high school students.
• Specific scholarship requirements such as financial need information, acceptance letter into a special program, proof of tribal membership for Native Americans, or special test scores for graduate programs (like MCAT or LSAT).
• Proof of U.S. citizenship; photocopy one of the following: birth certificate, naturalization papers, or the information page of your U.S. Passport. Cover all photographs and blackout social security numbers if listed.
• A one-page document listing your extra-curricular activities, honors, and academic achievements. The document should not exceed one side of an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch piece of paper and must include your name.

You will also need to request recommendation letters from at least two people, but no more than four. Relatives are not eligible to provide recommendation letters.

• Recommendation letters can come from a variety of sources including teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, spiritual leaders, administrators, co-workers, or supervisors.
• Those providing recommendation letters should be able to speak to your abilities, work habits, integrity, character, potential, and volunteer activities. All letters must be written within the last year and include the date, the reference giver’s name, title, signature, and contact information.
• Starting in 2024  2025, you will need to upload your recommendation letters directly into your application. We will no longer require your references to create a Blackbaud ID to access your application.
• Please note, we cannot accept emailed or mailed recommendation letters on your behalf, even if they come from a secure and confidential third-party platform. All recommendation letters must be uploaded by you directly into your application.

All applicants will receive an email notification from DAR Academic Works by the second week of May, regardless of whether they have been selected as a scholarship recipient.

If you are chosen as a scholarship recipient by the DAR Scholarship Committee or American Indians Committee:

• You will need to provide an official copy of your transcripts to the Office of the Reporter General by a specified date. Your scholarship award cannot be issued until your official transcripts have been received.
• You will receive a scholarship acceptance form via email. You will need to complete this form and provide the physical address of your academic institution. Scholarship award checks are sent directly to your academic institution and can only be used for expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other allowable expenses. Checks are never sent directly to the scholarship recipient.
• Please note, applicants can only receive one scholarship from DAR per award cycle.
• Scholarship awards are issued and mailed in August/September for use in the Fall Semester. We cannot accommodate requests to delay the awarding of scholarships for the Spring Semester or other time periods. Additionally, recipients must be currently enrolled as a student for the scholarship award to be issued. We cannot accommodate gap year requests.
• Failure to provide your official transcripts and completed scholarship acceptance form by the specified date will result in the scholarship not being awarded.

If you have any questions, please contact us at scholarships@nsdar.org OR reach out to the National Vice Chairman responsible for each scholarship. Their contact information can be found at: dar.org/national-society/scholarships