The Robert B. Carleson Freedom Scholarship

$5,000 for the children of those who served.

Robert Carleson took a commission in the U.S. Navy out of college. From 1953 to 1956 he served in the Far East and Korea — two years with the First Marine Division, a posting at Camp Pendleton, and a tour aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Bremerton that saw combat off Korea. He went on to spend his life defending the Constitution and the idea that free people govern themselves, and founded the American Constitutional Rights Union on that conviction.

The scholarship in his name carries it forward. Each year, one student from a military family receives $5,000 toward college, chosen for character, leadership, and a real commitment to constitutional principles.

More about Robert B. Carleson

Scholarship Information

Scholarship Values and Guiding Principles

Applicants should demonstrate alignment with the following principles exemplified by Robert B. Carleson and the American Constitutional Rights Union:

  • Leadership rooted in integrity, discipline, and accountability
  • An appreciation for constitutional principles and values
  • Commitment to public service
  • Appreciation for military and public service.

Qualifications

  • Graduating high school senior or college freshman
  • Plan to pursue higher education after high school graduation, including college, university or trade school.
  • Be from a veteran or active duty military family, meaning a parent or guardian has served or is currently serving in the U.S. military
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities through extracurricular involvement, community service, or public engagement
  • Demonstrate academic excellence as evidenced by a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Application Process

  • Complete the online application at theacru.org/scholarship by the deadline posted
  • Submit a copy of your high school transcript
  • Submit 2 letters of recommendation from clergy or other community leaders
  • Submit a personal statement / essay
    • Theme for the essay will be based on the 250th Anniversary of the United States and each candidate should also explain “What Freedom means to them.”
  • Submit a 2 minute video submission and the candidates should “tell us how they demonstrate freedom through their commitment or actions”
  • Submit a letter from military parent or guardian.

Selection Timeline

  • Application deadline date: Extended to September 15, 2026
  • Top 5 Finalist notification and interview dated: October 1 – 7, 2026
  • Final Recipient notification date: October 15, 2026
  • Granting of award November 11, 2026

Scholarship Ceremony

The winner of the Robert B. Carleson Freedom Scholarship, along with up to two accompanying family members, are invited to attend ACRU’s Veterans & Valor Annual Event on November 11, 2026 in Southwest Florida for recognition.

Application

Military Family Eligibility Certification:

To be eligible for the Robert B. Carleson Freedom Scholarship, an applicant must have a parent or legal guardian who is currently serving or has honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.

Education:

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior, an incoming first-year college student, or an incoming first-year career, technical, or trade school student.
Please indicate the college, university, technical school or trade school you plan to attend after high school graduation. Applicants taking a gap year are not eligible..
Applicants demonstrate academic excellence as evidenced by a GPA of 3.5 or above.
If Applicable
if applicable

Written Submissions:

This essay much be the applicant's original work and reflect the applicant's own thoughts, experiences, and writing ability. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including but not limited to ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or similar platforms, to generate, draft, rewrite, or substantially edit any portion of the essay is prohibited.

File Submissions

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, leadership, work ethic, academic potential, or community involvement.

Letters may be provided by teachers, school counselors, coaches, clergy, employers, military leaders, volunteer coordinators, or other community leaders who know the applicant personally.

Letters of recommendation from parents, guardians, siblings, other relatives, or members of the applicant's household will not be accepted.

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 2 files.
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Video Submission:

Please submit a video approximately two (2) minutes in length addressing the following prompt:

"How do you demonstrate the principles of freedom through your actions, commitments, service, leadership, or involvement in your community?"

We are interested in learning more about you beyond your written application. Share examples of how you have demonstrated responsibility, leadership, service, perseverance, civic engagement, or a commitment to helping others.

Please provide a shareable link to your video (Loom, YouTube Unlisted, Vimeo, or Google Drive). Do not upload video files directly to the application.

Video submissions should be the applicant's own original work.

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Q & A

Q: What does the scholarship cover?

A: Tuition and school supplies.

Q: What restrictions does the scholarship have in regard to the university or trade school I can attend?

A: No restrictions.

Q: Does the scholarship guarantee me university admission?

A: No, each individual is responsible for gaining admission to their university.

Q: Must I pursue any particular academic major or field of study to be considered for the scholarship?

A: No requirement.

Q: How many Scholars are selected each year?

A: One.

Q: Are applicants who are not named finalists still contacted?

A: Yes.

Q: Can I submit an unofficial copy of my high school diploma?

A: Yes.

For additional information contact john.mcdougal@theacru.org.