Horatio Alger Association

Educator Kenneth Beebe founded the association in 1946. Named for the Gilded Age American author Horatio Alger, the association espouses the “rags to riches” philosophy woven through his books — the idea that anyone who works hard can succeed, regardless of circumstances. The group has presented the Horatio Alger Award to a new class of about 10 to 12 people annually. Since 1984, the organization has given college scholarships to high school students “who fit the Horatio Alger profile.” Upward of $245 million has gone to more than 35,000 students.