Colonel Archer B. Battista Veterans Scholarship
Offered by Hampden County Bar Association
About this scholarship
The Colonel Archer B. Battista Veterans Scholarship helps a veteran or current U.S. military member pay for accredited law school. The Hampden County Bar Association created the fund in memory of Colonel Battista, a retired Air Force Reserve command pilot, attorney, former HCBA president, and advocate for veterans. The official application guarantees an award of at least $1,000, although the final amount can vary, and states that applications are considered twice each year with July 1 and November 1 deadlines. The next available deadline is November 1, 2026. Applicants must have an honorable discharge or be serving currently in the United States Military and must be admitted for the upcoming academic year to an accredited law school. Selection is based on both merit and financial need. The packet requests undergraduate and law-school information, legal experience, employment, military service, and three references. Applicants must attach a DD214 or current military identification and a one- to two-page statement covering their service, legal-career goals, intended use of the award, and how the scholarship would affect their ability to pay for law school. An optional one-page statement of support may be included. Completed packets are mailed to the HCBA scholarship committee in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Eligibility
- Be a veteran with an Honorable Discharge or a current member of the United States Military
- Be admitted for the upcoming academic year to an accredited law school
- Demonstrate both merit and financial need
- Provide a copy of your DD214 if a veteran or a copy of your military identification if currently serving
- Submit a 1- to 2-page statement about military service, legal-career goals, intended use of the award, and financial impact
- Provide undergraduate, legal-education, employment, military-service, and 3-reference information on the official form
- Mail the signed application and required attachments to the HCBA scholarship committee by November 1, 2026
- If selected, provide proof of enrollment before funds are released and no later than January 1 for the November cycle