Scholarship and the Trail to Eagle
Scholarship is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Scholarship Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Scholarship. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do ONE of the following: show that you have had an average grade of B or higher for one term, or show that for one term you have improved your school grades over the previous period.
- 2
Do TWO of the following: make a list of educational places, interview two professionals about their education, or show your counselor your time management system.
- 3
Get a note from the principal of your school stating that during the past year your behavior, leadership, and service have been satisfactory.
- 4
Do ONE of the following: show that you have taken part in an extracurricular activity, or discuss your participation in a school project.
- 5
Do ONE of the following: write a report of 250 to 300 words about the value of education, or write about two careers that interest you.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Scholarship Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Scholarship, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Scholarship is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 3 months for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 5 Scholarship requirements for you.
Scholarship Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Scholarship merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Scholarship is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Scholarship merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Scholarship in about 3 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Scholarship merit badge?
Scholarship is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Scholarship can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Scholarship merit badge have?
Scholarship has 5 main requirements, for 5 items in total.
