The Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting​ [EOCS] is offering up to two $1,000.00 scholarships to Orthodox Christian scouts who demonstrate love of God and the Orthodox Christian Faith through their service, scholarship, leadership, and practical citizenship in their churches, schools, scouting units, and communities.

The most recent recipient from the Antiochian Archdiocese is Isaac Gabriel Abdalla, in June 2018. He and his family are communicants of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston, WV. He attended Capital High School, and was a member of Scouting BSA Troop 64 and Venturing Crew 64. Among his many distinctions was earning every badge available, 137 at the time! Isaac now attends West Virginia University, where he is majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Eligible scouts must be registered active members of an EOCS-recognized scouting program --Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, Girl Scouts of the USA, Trail Life USA, American Heritage Girls, and Camp Fire -- and communicants of parishes recognized by the Assembly of Bishops, having earned the highest award of their EOCS-recognized Scouting program (e.g., Eagle, Gold). Explorers and Venturers must have also attained Eagle Scout. Scouts also must have earned the EOCS Alpha Omega Religious Award and be enrolled in the final year of an accredited high school. Homeschooled students (not including students currently studying remotely due to school closures) should contact the Scholarship Chairman for guidance in completing the application.

The EOCS is an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America and the officially recognized Eastern Orthodox Christian religious committee for all scouting organizations in the USA. It provides support, programs, and recognition of service and faith development to scouts and scouters of the Eastern Orthodox faith via the religious award program, adult recognition for volunteer scouters and clergy, scholarships, retreats, "camporees," and associated activities.  

Detailed information and application forms​ are available online and are due by May 1, 2020.

Because of the closure of many high schools in Spring 2020, if this date presents an obstacle to you, please consult with the Scholarship Chairman (email below). Scholarship recipients are currently planned to be announced on June 1; applicants will be notified if a delay is necessary.  Awards are contingent upon acceptance to an accredited four-year college or university.  

Please direct all inquiries to Dr. M. E. Kotsonis, EOCS Scholarship Chairman, mekotsonis@gmail.com.