National Eagle Scout Association

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The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA, pronounced nee sah) is an organization of men who have earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. NESA's stated purpose is "to serve Eagle Scouts and, through them, the entire movement of Scouting."

The origins of NESA are traced back to 1925 when an organization devoted to service and upholding the rank of Eagle was founded in San Francisco. The organization was named, "the Knights of Dunamis," after the Greek word for 'spirit.' As time went on, many young men felt conflicts between the Knights of Dunamis, with their ceremonies, and their own Boy Scout Troop. In 1970, the Knights of Dunamis were merged into the Boy Scouts of America, and would soon become the National Eagle Scout Association.

Membership is available on a 5-year or lifetime basis to all Eagle Scouts. NESA cross-checks applications to ensure all applicants are Eagle Scouts. The Eagletter is a quarterly magazine published by NESA that helps keep its members informed of NESA activities and functions.

NESA administers several scholarships for Eagle Scouts. As of January 2006, these scholarships ranged from $1000–$48000. Specific requirements vary for each scholarship, but all require the recipient to be an Eagle Scout. Membership in NESA is not required to be a scholarship recipient.

NESA also administers nominations for the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award as well as the NESA Scoutmaster Award of Merit, which is an award introduced in 1973 for those Scoutmasters who are have provided exceptional promotion of, and leadership to, the Scouting advancement program in general and exemplary development of Eagles in particular.