Horatio Alger, Jr. wrote novels about poor boys who worked their way up from humble beginnings through hard work, determination, courage, and honesty.  The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. wants to encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered them by the American free enterprise system. They promote a national scholarship program for high school seniors and encourage students to pursue their own version of the American Dream. They provide scholarship opportunities, mentor the Scholars and stress the importance of service to others.

Eligibility:

• Enrollment full time as a high school senior in the United States, progressing normally toward graduation in the Spring/Summer of this year, with plans to enter college no later than the fall following graduation;
• A strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution located in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution. Idaho, Louisiana, and Montana state scholarship recipients must pursue and complete a degree at specific colleges and universities. Please see the Individual program description for those requirements);
• Critical financial need ($50,000 or less adjusted gross income per family is preferred, if higher explanation must be provided);
• Involvement in co-curricular and community activities;
• Demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and
• United States Citizenship.
   

They also have local programs that vary by state.