Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program Opens Enrollment for Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - June 16, 2008) - The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce the opening of the 2008 enrollment period for its college scholarship program exclusively for veterans who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program offers returning veterans a chance to obtain a college degree.

The enrollment period to apply for a Horatio Alger scholarship runs June 15-September 1, 2008. Applications can be found at https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships_military/.

The Scholarship fund totaling over $15 million was created by Horatio Alger Association Lifetime Member, Ambassador George Argyros and his wife Julia. The pair was inspired to create the program as a means to demonstrate appreciation and offer educational opportunities that may result in an easier transition to civilian life.

"We are thrilled to continue this scholarship program that is now in its third year. Our veterans have proudly defended the U.S.A., and it remains a goal of ours to support them, by offering them the wonderful opportunities that higher education brings," said Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director, Horatio Alger Association.

Scholarship recipients will each be awarded $5,000 to support their undergraduate education. Eligible applicants to the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship must demonstrate the following:

--  Service under the United States Military in Operation Enduring Freedom
    in Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom beginning September 11, 2001 or
    later;
--  Honorable service record under the United States Military;
--  Critical financial need;
--  Intention to pursue a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) at an accredited
    college or university in the United States (awardees may begin their
    studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year
    institution);
--  No more than 60 cumulative semester/credit hours by the end of the
    2007 term;
--  Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0;
--  Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity;
--  U.S. citizenship.
    

To date, the Horatio Alger Association has awarded 1,880 Military Veterans Scholarships in each branch of the military:

Air Force:              85
Army:                   831
Marines:                586
National Guard:         247
Navy:                   131

About The Horatio Alger Association:

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program and state scholarship programs, available to high school seniors in all 50 states, and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. The Association awards more than $12 million annually in college scholarships and has given over $62 million to deserving students in recent years. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Carrie Blewitt Qorvis Communications 703-744-7816 cblewitt@qorvis.com