The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans was founded in 1947 to honor the achievements of outstanding Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity and emphasize the importance of higher education. The association is named after Horatio Alger, a 19th century author of hundreds of dime novels in the "rags-to-riches" genre, extolling the importance of perseverance and hard work. The association gives the annual Horatio Alger Award to exemplars of its ideals and is the largest provider of need-based scholarships in the United States. All scholarships are funded by the generosity of the members of the Horatio Alger Association.

The Horatio Alger Association is based in Alexandria, Virginia.

The National Scholars Program was created in 1984. The program was created to help American high school seniors who had overcome adversity to attend college. Over time the Horatio Alger Association has expanded the program. Every year, the Association chooses National Scholars from every state (including Puerto Rico). These scholars are sent to an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. While there, scholars are able to meet association members, attend the Horatio Alger Awards Ceremony, and get tips for being successful in college and their lives.