[2] In addition to its scholarships, the Association provides numerous services to prepare Scholars for post-secondary education and enable them to launch successful careers.
[3] According to its website, the Association's mission is to “induct as lifetime Members contemporary role models whose experiences exemplify that opportunities for a successful life are available to all who are dedicated to…integrity, hard work, perseverance and compassion for others.” It also provides college scholarships and support services to young people who demonstrate integrity, determination in overcoming adversity and academic potential to make a unique contribution to society.
The National Scholars Program was created in 1984 to help American high school students who have overcome adversity attend college.
[5] The association annually bestows the Horatio Alger Award on outstanding Americans who exemplify dedication, purpose, and perseverance in their personal and professional lives.
Recipients in subsequent years have included business and government leaders, athletes, entertainers, innovators, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, and writers who have overcome adversity and achieved great success.
Additionally, each year since 2003, an International Horatio Alger Award has been presented to a citizen of anotheranother country who serves as a role model and embodies the ideals promoted by the association.
Notable awardees have included the following:[6] The Norman Vincent Peale Award is presented to a Horatio Alger Member who “has made exceptional humanitarian contributions to society, has been active in the Association, and continues to exhibit courage, tenacity and integrity in the face of great challenges.” This award is given in honor of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, who was a Member of the Horatio Alger Association.
The award is named after late Chairman Emeritus Walter Scott, Jr., who was the founder of Association’s State Scholarship Program and the Horatio Alger Endowment Fund.
[1] On July 10, 2023, the Washington Post reported that it was through friendships made in the association that Thomas had been invited to "luxurious vacation retreats, VIP sections of National Football League games, and star-studded events".