Many in the scouting community are aware that Hampden-Sydney College (H-SC) has long offered a scholarship for Eagle Scouts, a recent college press release noted, adding that the school announced Oct. 29 that it was increasing its Eagle Scout scholarship to $20,000 per year — a total of $80,000 over four years.

“Given Hampden-Sydney’s 244-year mission of forming good men and good citizens, it is fitting that the college boasts one of the highest percentages of Eagle Scouts of any college or university,” Vice President for Enrollment Jeff Norris said in the release. “Over their four years here, students hone their character and leadership abilities, learn through experience and contribute to the lives of others, making this transformational education a perfect choice for young men who have achieved scouting’s highest honor.”

The release cited that scouts interested in admission to Hampden-Sydney may apply online at http://www.hsc.edu/ admissions-and-financial-aid/apply.

“The qualities that enable scouts to earn the rank of Eagle are the same characteristics that position students for success at Hampden-Sydney and beyond,” Norris continued in the release. “And the wealth of outdoor opportunities available on and around our 1,300-acre campus enable scouts to continue all of their favorite outdoor pursuits, from sporting activities like hunting and fishing to hiking, biking and paddling.”

Any accepted student who has achieved or will achieve the rank of Eagle Scout prior to matriculation will receive the scholarship upon enrolling at Hampden-Sydney, unless he qualifies for an alternative academic scholarship at a higher level, officials stated in the release.

The release concluded by noting that Hampden-Sydney — which has an alumni network ranked fourth in the nation by The Princeton Review — also offers guaranteed annual scholarships of $20,000 to accepted students who have participated in Boys State.