The Miss America competition began in 1921 by Atlantic City businessmen to extend the summer tourist season. In succeeding years, the Miss America competition evolved into an American tradition with contestants from each of the states competing every year for the coveted title of Miss America. In 1945, Miss America began supporting women's education by offering its first scholarship. Today, the Miss America Organization is the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women. Each year, the Miss America Organization makes available more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance. |