The American Legion Charities has announced a new scholarship initiative in collaboration with Giggle Academy, offering up to $20,000 in educational grants for children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members. This announcement was made through a press release.
According to The American Legion, the scholarship will be funded by a $2 million contribution from Giggle Academy founder Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ. The funding aims to provide needs-based awards for children of post-9/11 U.S. service members who have died on active duty or suffer from significant service-related disabilities. These awards are intended to supplement other federal and state education benefits and align with the Legacy Scholarship framework of American Legion Charities.
Military OneSource reports that over 2 million children in the U.S. have had a parent serve in the military since 9/11, many of whom have been affected by trauma, economic hardship, or the loss of a parent. Globally, UNESCO highlights that more than 750 million adults are illiterate, correlating strongly with educational inequities faced by children from under-resourced families. The initiative between Giggle Academy and The American Legion is part of a broader strategy to address these gaps by prioritizing practical, tech-integrated learning opportunities.
In a public statement released by Giggle Academy, founder Changpeng Zhao said the scholarship represents an effort to expand educational access meaningfully for underserved youth. He emphasized beginning with military families due to their experiences with sacrifice, leadership, and grief as a strong foundation for reimagining education. "This isn’t just about handing out checks. It’s about handing over tools," Zhao said, underscoring his belief that real transformation starts with equipping those who have been overlooked with practical, future-ready learning resources.
American Legion Charities serves as the nonprofit philanthropic arm of The American Legion under 501(c)(3) status, supporting veterans and their families through emergency relief, youth scholarships, and reintegration programs. As detailed by The American Legion Dispatch, the organization has mobilized millions in aid through initiatives like Operation Comfort Warriors and the National Emergency Fund. It collaborates with civic and private-sector leaders—such as Giggle Academy’s Changpeng Zhao—to extend its legacy of service through forward-looking educational opportunities.