The American Legion Department of Michigan High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is for students who look for an academic challenge and an opportunity to gain scholarship funds. Students learn about our country's Constitution in a contest that has been held by The American Legion for more than 80 years. The purpose of the oratorical contest is to provide high school students with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the United States. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, improving speaking skills, and acceptance of the responsibilities as well as the privileges of American citizenship. Contestants will compete for scholarship money ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 at the department (state) contest. The department winner will advance to compete for scholarship money ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 in the National contest. Contestants shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States. Contestants must be enrolled in an accredited high school (public, parochial, military, private) or an accredited homeschooled program. They must be in grades 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th. Assigned topics for the 2026 Oratorical Contest are Amendment IV, Article III - Section 3, Article IV - Section 4, and Article VI - Clause 3 of the Constitution. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the American Legion Department of Michigan for more information.