The Horatio Alger Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1947 that is dedicated to the promotion of the American Dream through education and the belief that hard work and perseverance can lead to success. The organization is named after Horatio Alger Jr., a 19th-century author known for his novels about impoverished boys who rise to middle-class status through hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. The Association provides scholarships to students who have faced significant obstacles in their lives, helping them to pursue higher education and achieve their goals. It also recognizes the achievements of individuals who exemplify the values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance through its membership and awards programs.