The Olmsted Scholar Program

In his original Statement of Donor, Olmsted noted, "Fundamental to the initial purpose of creating the scholarship program is the conviction that the greatest leaders must be educated broadly.

"[3] Since its inception, the Olmsted Scholar Program has provided grants for over 600 officers, many of whom have gone on to the highest levels of leadership and responsibility in the military, government and private sector.

Utilizing General Olmsted's initial $80,000 grant, the Foundation's Board of Directors and the Department of Defense authorized the establishment of Scholar Program.

Beginning with the Scholar Class of 2003, additional funds from General Olmsted's estate have allowed the program to expand to approximately 18 participants per year.

[6][7][8] The original class of Olmsted Scholars began language training in 1959 and began their overseas graduate studies in 1960: While the specific qualifications differ by service branch,[11][12] the following general requirements for participation have been designated by the Olmsted Foundation: Specific application and selection procedures differ by service branch, but generally consist of the following: If Approved by Chain of Command If Selected by Individual Service The Olmsted Foundation's final selections are typically announced in late March.