Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Now Open for Applications

 

CASPER, Wyo. —  The Elks National Foundation (ENF) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship, offering high school seniors a chance to compete for a share of $2.44 million in college funding. Right here in Natrona County, Melissa Mayo is stepping up once again as the local Scholarship Coordinator, making sure Casper students don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.

 

Big Rewards for Students

 

The ENF will award 500 scholarships this cycle:

• Top 20 finalists will each receive a $30,000 award (spread over four years).

• 480 additional students will each earn $4,000 scholarships.

All awards are renewable annually, contingent on full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university.

 

What the Judges Look For

 

Applicants are evaluated across four categories:

• Scholarship: Academic achievement and performance

• Leadership: Roles in school and community activities

• Service: Volunteer work and civic engagement

• Financial Need: Assessment of family circumstances

 

Eligibility

 

The MVS Scholarship is open to:

• High school seniors (or equivalent) who are U.S. citizens

• Students planning to enroll in a four-year undergraduate degree program, full time, at an accredited U.S. college or university

Importantly, students do not need to be related to an Elks member to apply.

 

Key Dates

 

• Application Deadline: November 12, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Pacific Time)

• Leadership Weekend: April 30 – May 3, 2026, in Chicago for the 20 national finalists

Finalists attending the Leadership Weekend will participate in leadership activities, connect with peers from across the nation, and join the Elks Scholar network.

 

Local Impact and Melissa Mayo’s Role

 

Beyond the national program, many local Elks Lodges provide scholarships of their own. By selecting Casper Lodge #1353 as the sponsoring Lodge during the application process, students can also be considered for local-level awards, even if they don’t win nationally.

 

Melissa Mayo, who is serving again as Scholarship Coordinator, said she is eager to help area students take advantage of the opportunity.

 

“This is one of the biggest scholarship programs available to high school seniors,”

 

Mayo explained.

 

 “I encourage every student in Natrona County to apply — and I’m here to answer questions and guide families through the process.”

 

Why It Matters for Casper

 

With the rising cost of higher education, scholarships like these can make a major difference for families. Past recipients of the MVS Scholarship have gone on to top universities and careers across the country, but the ENF stresses that applicants are evaluated holistically — considering leadership, service, and financial need, not just grades.

 

How to Apply

 

Students can apply online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The site includes full eligibility details, application forms, and frequently asked questions.

 

📞 Contact the Coordinator

For questions or help with the application process, contact:

Melissa Mayo
Scholarship Coordinator, Casper Elks Lodge #1353
📧 [melissamichalov@gmail.com]
📱 [307-259-9172]