Is this just a scam: "USAA National Honor Student Award"???

[SeaSpray]

DS15 brought home paperwork that his teacher gave him, saying that he has been "selected as an USAA Honor Student Awards Program" winner. It also said he may have his personal biography published in a volume of the USAA National Awards Yearbook. There is no charge for this, but of course to order the yearbook there is a charge. They also say he is now eligible for scholarships through this program. Is this legitimate or a scam? Thanks!

 

[SeaSpray]

I just found their web site... I really can't tell whether this is a legitimate program or not. It appears to be legitimate, but who knows. Apparently DS15 was nominted for this award by a teacher at his school. The papers he brought home have his name printed on them, they aren't blank forms. I guess it's nice to know that one of his teachers thought enough of him to nominate him, he's an honor roll student and is very bright.... but I still wonder how legitimate this is. LOL I guess I am just a very suspicious person.

I'd love to hear from anyone else who may have heard of this before. They do list all of the scholarship winners, including their towns, schools, and which teacher nominated them, on the web site. Apparently the nomination from DSs teacher is the first step. It's the "invitation" which allows him to now apply for a scholarship award. Of course, I'm sure they'd be happy if we ordered a yearbook.....

 

[SoonerKate]

I'd say that as long as they don't make you pay money to apply for the scholarship or to recieve the scholarship itself, it's worth looking at.

From Googling the name of the scholarship, it seems to be supported by a lot of colleges (Texas, Oklahoma, UNC-Wilmington, Florida Atlantic...). I say go for it. Free money (If it is in fact free!) is always a good thing!

 

[jamsmom]

It is legitimate. I was in the USAA program several times way back when. My son has been included twice thus far.

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the replies

I was trying to find any "small print" but there really isn't any. DS's name and biography will be included in the yearbook, for NO charge, as long as we sign the papers giving permission for them to print his info. (If we want his picture included with his bio, they ask for a $12 fee, not too bad, I guess). I was only skeptical because I had read about other "scholarship" programs and "who's who" programs in which they charge you a fee to be a member.

I will send in the paperwork and see what happens from there

 

[FleurdeLise]

It sounds like the "Who's who in High School" book that is sent to most High School kids. Our High school department will not list inclusion in that book in student's list of achievements or scholarships. It is just a book hoping to get the parents to purchase it,in my opinion.

 

[Sonya]

There are a lot of these type of programs out there. (well, not THAT many) I do one for my French students but there are some for science, English, etc. I believe they are mostly harmless, just look good on college apps. They do seem to only take the top students though, not just anyone can get accepted!

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by Sonya
I believe they are mostly harmless, just look good on college apps. They do seem to only take the top students though, not just anyone can get accepted!

Thanks Sonya, I was wondering about that, too

 

[LindaR]

My daughter (who's in eighth grade) is in USAA for All-American Scholar and then again for English Merit Scholar. The only "bad" thing is that her name appears in two different yearbooks, so that is twice the money. She already did apply for the all-american scholarship, haven't heard back yet. I told her that even if they awarded her $150 that was money that could pay for a book or two.