Scholarships

Each year, the NSDAR awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study. A complete listing of the NSDAR Scholarships available, and the process for online application can be found on the NSDAR website.

Pennsylvania State Society DAR Scholarships

Listed below are the scholarships awarded by the Pennsylvania State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (PSSDAR). No affiliation with the Pennsylvania State or National Society DAR is necessary to qualify for these scholarships. DAR members' children are also eligible to apply. Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed to the local chapter by February 15,2025. Evaluation of all applicants will be made by the State Scholarship Committee who will then notify only the recipients by May 15, 2025. Applications will not be returned. Payment of these scholarships will be placed on deposit with the college or university prior to the fall term.

Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship

Originally established in 1935, as a revolving fund with donations from Pennsylvania members and chapters, loans were made to students in accredited colleges and nursing schools. Prior to 1990, the fund was changed to the Pennsylvania State Society DAR Student Scholarship. This scholarship is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into an accredited program at a college/university. Eligibility for this scholarship is not limited to a specific field or area of study.

Louise V. Nelson Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1962 as a bequest from the estate of Louise Nelson, regent of the Fort Hand Chapter NSDAR. This scholarship is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into an accredited nursing program at a hospital or college/university.

Mary Reider American History Scholarship

The listed scholarship was established in 1996 by Lorraine K. Prutzman, Pennsylvania State DAR Scholarship Chair. It is available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into a course of study in American history at an accredited college/university.

Elizabeth W. Watkins STEM Scholarship

This scholarship ($1,000) was established in 2022, by Elizabeth A. Watkins, Pennsylvania State Regent. Annually, a STEM scholarship will be available to any high school senior residing in Pennsylvania who is graduating from a secondary school that is registered, accredited, approved, or licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The applicant must provide a copy of their acceptance into a course of study in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics at an accredited college/university.

Pennsylvania DAR Supports Education, Students, and Teachers!

Chapters from all corners of Pennsylvania support students and educators through many programs. Reach out to a local chapter to learn more!

American History Essay Contest

Chapters throughout the state sponsor the American History Contest. The contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registerd home-study programs. Students in grades five through eight are encouraged to participate in this annual contest. Each year, a topic is selected and contest instructions are provided through the chapters. Chapter winners are awarded a certficate and progress to the State Soceity competition. For more information, please contact a local chapter.

Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest

In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding, the DAR has launched the "Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School Essay Contest." The contest is open to students in public, private, and parochial schools, and registerd home-study programs. Students in grades nine through twelve are encouraged to participate in this annual contest. Chapter winners are awarded a certficate and progress to the State Soceity competition. For more information, please contact a local chapter.

DAR Good Citizen Award & Scholarship Contest

The DAR Good Citizen Award encourages and rewards the qualities of good citizenship. One high school senior at each accredited schools may be selected by their teachers and peers for possessing good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. The top chapter winners are submitted to the state competition where one male and one female winner are selected to proceed to the division and national scholarship competitions. School officials may contact a local chapter for more information on how to participate in this annual contest.

Teacher Lesson Plans & Classroom Grants

Through the Educational Resources Committee, DAR chapters and members from around the country have developed original lesson plans for grades K-12 educators. Any educator may find these lesson plans on the NSDAR website where updates are posted monthly.

PSSDAR Scholarships & Education

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