If you’ve ever felt a tug of curiosity about America’s past — the founding years, the stories of its people, the pivotal moments that shaped the nation — then the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is offering something that might just change your path. The newly announced DAR America 250! Scholarship opens up from November 1, 2025 and closes January 31, 2026 (11:59 pm Hawaii Time). In 2026 they will award ten scholarships of $25,000 each to select undergraduate or graduate students engaged in American history study.
- Purpose: Scholarship
- Coverage: $25,000 one-time award
- Nationality: U.S. citizens
- Degree Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
- Field: Major in American History
- Host organisation: DAR (United States)
- Deadline: January 31, 2026
Purpose of the Program
At its heart, the DAR America 250! Scholarship is designed to mark a milestone: America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The DAR is using this anniversary as a moment to invest in future historians — those who will ask questions about our national story, explore the lesser-told narratives, and help us understand our present by deeply studying our past. As DAR President General Ginnie Sebastian Storage says, “We see no better way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary than with these transformative and life-changing scholarships investing in the development of the next generation of American historians.”
So if you’re passionate about American history and believe that exploring the past can help shape a better future, this scholarship could be an excellent fit.
Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a breakdown of who can apply — make sure you tick all (or nearly all) these boxes before investing time in the application.
You are eligible if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen.
- Are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in an accredited college or university in the U.S. in an undergraduate or graduate program.
- Are majoring (or will major) in American history.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
Additional application requirements:
- You’ll prepare a one-page essay on either the founding of the nation or on your own volunteer achievements for community and country.
- You’ll include transcripts (high school, college, graduate as applicable).
- You will provide letters of recommendation (typically 2-4), uploaded by you.
Important notes:
- Applicants can receive only one national DAR scholarship per award cycle.
- If you’re homeschooled: transcripts for grades 9–12 must be included.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are no longer required for high school applicants.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship isn’t just a financial award — it’s designed to offer meaningful support and recognition. Here’s what you’ll gain:
- A one-time award of $25,000 to help cover tuition, room/board, books and/or other educational expenses.
- Prestige: Being selected from among the applicants by a national historic and patriotic organisation.
- Connection to a network: The DAR supports historic preservation, education, and community service — so receiving the award may open doors beyond just the financial.
- A focused opportunity: Because the scholarship is tied specifically to American history, if your interests align, your work gets a spotlight rather than being lost in a broad pool of general applicants.
Fields of Study
While this particular award emphasises American history, the broader DAR scholarship program supports a wide range of fields. For this America 250! award:
- The major/degree must be American history.
For the wider DAR scholarship suite:
- Undergraduate and graduate studies in history, political science, government, economics.
- Also fields like medicine, nursing, occupational/physical therapy, elementary/secondary education, English, math, chemistry, science.
So if your main focus is American history, this award is perfectly aligned. If your studies are slightly different, you might still check the broader DAR opportunities to find a relevant match.
Deadline & Application Process
Key Dates:
- Applications open: November 1, 2025.
- Deadline: January 31, 2026 at 11:59 pm Hawaii Time.
- Notification: All applicants will receive an email by second week of May whether selected or not.
- Funds issued: Checks mailed to institutions in August/September for fall semester use.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official DAR scholarship portal: https://dar.academicworks.com/ .
- Create a Blackbaud ID if you’re new to the system (multi-factor authentication may be required).
- Complete the general application and then select the America 250! Scholarship (if eligible).
- Upload required documents: transcripts, citizenship proof, your one-page essay, list of activities/honors, letters of recommendation.
- Make sure your letters of recommendation are uploaded by you (not sent by your recommenders directly).
- Submit before the deadline. No exceptions for late submission.
Tips:
- Start early. Getting transcripts and recommendation letters takes time.
- Tailor your one-page essay. Because the field is American history, focus on a compelling angle: perhaps an unsung chapter of U.S. history, or your unique perspective through service or volunteering.
- Ensure your resume of activities is polished: list leadership roles, community service, honors — anything that supports your interest in history and service.
- Proofread. The portal specifies that AI-generated content is prohibited.
Why You Should Apply
There are many scholarships out there — what makes this one worth your time?
- Large award amount: $25,000 is significant and can reduce financial pressure while you focus on studying.
- Focused theme: If you love American history, this is an opportunity tailored to your interest, not just generic.
- Legacy and prestige: Being associated with the DAR can help your academic and professional narrative (especially if you later work in education, public history, museums, government, or related fields).
- Deadline gives you time: Because the cycle opens November 1, you have a window to prepare documents well in advance.
- One application method: The DAR portal makes it simpler (one system, many options).
Final Thoughts
If you’ve found yourself drawn to questions like: How did America’s founding ideals evolve? What stories from our history are under-told? How can I contribute to preserving and interpreting our past for the benefit of the future? — then this scholarship is more than just money. It’s recognition that your voice, your interest in our collective story, matters.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Use the next few weeks to build a strong application: draft your essay early, solicit recommendation letters now, and gather transcripts. Even if you ultimately do not receive this specific award, applying will sharpen your story, help you reflect on your goals, and position you for other opportunities.
To apply or learn more, go to: https://dar.academicworks.com/
Wishing you every success — may this be the scholarship that helps turn your passion into progress.