Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship 2026

College tuition is climbing, but so are the opportunities to fund it. If you are a high school senior with a strong record of leadership and scholarship, the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship should be at the top of your list.

The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards $2.52 million annually to 500 exceptionally talented students. 

Unlike many niche awards, you do not need to be a member of the Elks to apply.

Scholarship Summary

The Elks Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarship is one of the largest private scholarship programs in the United States. It focuses on three core pillars:

• Scholarship: Academic excellence and rigor.
• Leadership: Demonstrated impact in your school and community.
• Financial Need: Economic circumstances are considered but there is no specific income cutoff.

The contest begins at the local Lodge level and advances through District and State rounds, culminating in the National competition.

Scholarship Coverage and Awards

The ENF awards 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants. Male and female students compete separately, ensuring a balanced distribution of awards.

Award Tiers

• Top 20 Finalists: These scholars are invited to the Leadership Weekend in Chicago. They receive $30,000 scholarships ($7,500 per year).
• 480 Runners-Up: These scholars receive $4,000 scholarships ($1,000 per year).

Important Note on Payment:

Funds are not sent to the student. The ENF issues a Certificate of Award. To receive payment, you must submit a “Verification of Enrollment” form. 

The check is then mailed directly to your college or university to be applied to your tuition and fees.

Eligibility and Selection Process

Before starting your application, ensure you meet the strict criteria. The Elks Foundation is very clear: permanent legal residents (Green Card holders) are not eligible; you must be a U.S. citizen.

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. citizen on the date the application is submitted.
Education Status	Must be a current high school senior (or equivalent). High school graduates are ineligible.
College Plans	Must plan to enroll full-time (12+ semester hours) in a four-year undergraduate program at an accredited U.S. college.
Membership	NOT required. You do not need to be related to an Elks member.
Test Scores	Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required.

Selection Criteria

Your application is judged on a points system across these categories:

1. Leadership: Roles held, extracurricular involvement, and community service.
2. Academics: GPA, course rigor, and transcripts.
3. Financial Need: Determined by the financial information provided (FAFSA data may be requested at later stages).

2026 Application Timeline

Missing a deadline means disqualification. The 2026 MVS cycle operates on a strict schedule starting in late 2025.

Date/Period	Event
August 1, 2025	Applications open online.
November 12, 2025	Application Deadline (11:59 p.m. Pacific Time).
December 2025	Local Lodge judging notifications sent.
January 2026	District judging notifications. Quarter-Finalists must upload transcripts.
March 2026	National Semi-Finalists notified. Must submit FAFSA summary, essay, and teacher eval.
April 2026	500 National Winners announced.
April 30 – May 3, 2026	Leadership Weekend in Chicago (Mandatory for Top 20).

How to Apply for the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

The entire process is managed online through the ISTS (International Scholarship and Tuition Services) portal.

Step 1: Register Online

Visit the official Elks MVS page and create an account. You do not need to find your local lodge immediately; the system will assign you one based on your zip code.

Step 2: Complete the Application

You will need to provide:

• Parent/Guardian Information: For financial need assessment.
• Academic History: Self-reported GPA and coursework.
• Leadership & Service: A detailed list of your activities and hours committed.
• Essay: A standard 500-word essay (topics usually revolve around leadership or overcoming challenges).

Step 3: Counselor Report

You must invite your high school counselor to complete a report via the portal. Do this early. Your application is not considered “Complete” until the counselor submits their section.

Step 4: Submit

Ensure your application status says “Submitted” or “Complete” before the November 12, 2025 cutoff.

Crucial Tips for Applicants

To increase your chances of advancing past the local level:

Watch the “Gap Year” Trap

If you have already graduated high school and are currently taking a gap year, you are not eligible. However, if you are a current senior planning to take a gap year after graduation, you are eligible.

Attendance Matters

If you are selected as a Top 20 finalist, you must attend the Leadership Weekend in Chicago. The Elks cover the expenses. If you cannot attend, you forfeit the $30,000 tier and eligible for the $4,000 tier instead.

Check Your Email

Notifications for advancing to the Quarter-Finalist and Semi-Finalist rounds are sent via email. You will have short windows to upload supplemental documents (like your FAFSA Submission Summary).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students are eligible. You should have a third party complete the Counselor’s Report if possible.

Can I use the scholarship for a study abroad program?

Yes, but only if the program is billed through your U.S. college. The Elks Foundation cannot send money to foreign institutions or third-party vendors.

Is the award renewable?

Yes, the scholarship is distributed over four years, provided you maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester) at a U.S. institution.

Final Thought

With 500 awards available, the odds are better than many national lotteries, provided you put in the work to demonstrate your leadership and academic drive.

Mark November 12, 2025, on your calendar and start gathering your leadership credentials today.