Founded in 1871, the BPO Elks of the USA is a fraternal organization that provides a variety of community services. The organization sponsors scholarships, youth activities, services for veterans, drug education and mentoring programs. Among the collegiate scholarships offered are Most Valuable Student Scholarships, which are four-year scholarships that are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, leadership and scholarship; Eagle Scout Awards, which are four-year scholarships for Eagle Scouts that have been selected by the Boy Scouts of America; Gold Awards, which are four-year scholarships awarded to nominees that have been selected by the Girl Scouts of America; Legacy Awards, which are one-year, merit-based scholarships for children and grandchildren of members of the organization; and Emergency Education Fund Grants, which are one-year grants that are available to children of deceased or incapacitated members of the organization. The BPO Elks of the USA s Grand Lodge is headquartered in Chicago.