Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization founded in 1947. Its core mission is to promote the American Dream by honoring individuals who have achieved success despite significant adversity, and to inspire young people through higher education. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, the Association emphasizes the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the opportunities available within the American free enterprise system.

The Association's key services include administering one of the largest privately funded, need-based scholarship programs in the United States, offering undergraduate, graduate, and career & technical education scholarships. Since 1984, it has awarded over $265 million in scholarships to more than 37,000 students. Beyond financial aid, it provides comprehensive scholar support services, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, emergency and housing support, mental health resources, and career development assistance. Annually, the Association also presents the prestigious Horatio Alger Award to exceptional leaders who serve as role models, inducting them as lifetime Members.

In recent news, the Association announced its 2026 Horatio Alger Award recipients in January 2026. In March 2024, it launched the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Program in partnership with the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. The 77th Annual Horatio Alger Awards in April 2024 celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Scholarship Program, inducting 11 new members and honoring 102 scholars, while raising over $16 million for scholarships. Lesley Albanese serves as the Chief Executive Officer, and James F. Dicke II is the Chairman. The organization maintains a strong market positioning, having earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years as of June 2024, recognizing its financial health, accountability, and transparency.