The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious award for U.S. high school seniors. It recognizes students with strong leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship. Winners can receive up to $40,000 in renewable scholarships. The program honors President Ronald Reagan’s legacy. It supports young leaders who reflect his values—liberty, opportunity, and pride in the nation. In this guide, you’ll learn the scholarship’s key details. We’ll cover who’s eligible, how to apply, and how to stand out.
What Is the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship?
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship, sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in partnership with GE Aerospace, awards up to 20 high school seniors annually with a $10,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years, totaling up to $40,000 per recipient. Since its inception in 2011, the program has distributed nearly $9.5 million to over 225 student leaders across 42 states, supporting their education at more than 120 undergraduate campuses.
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship draws fierce competition. In 2023, about 16,200 students applied, but only 120 reached the semifinalist stage. From there, the foundation selects just 10 to 20 recipients each year. These scholars attend an exclusive Scholars Retreat at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. There, they take part in leadership development activities, a community service project, and a formal awards ceremony.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- High School Senior Status: Candidates must be current high school seniors graduating in winter 2025 or spring 2026, including homeschooled students and those attending high school on U.S. Armed Forces bases abroad.
- Academic Performance: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) is required.
- Leadership and Character: Applicants must demonstrate leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship in their schools, workplaces, and communities.
- Financial Need: Financial need is a consideration, determined by Scholarship Management Services.
- College Enrollment: Applicants must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Certain individuals, such as employees or immediate family members of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, GE, or Scholarship America, are ineligible.
Application Process
The application for the 2026 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship opened in the fall of 2025 and closed on January 3, 2026, at 11:59 a.m. PST. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
- Initial Application:
- Complete the online application at reaganfoundation.org/scholarships.
- Submit basic information about yourself, your parent/guardian, your high school, your top college choice, and your financial situation.
- Provide a short written statement about your educational and career objectives.
- Write a brief essay showcasing your leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship, reflecting the values of President Reagan.
- Semifinalist Stage:
- Approximately 120 semifinalists are selected and notified by email on or before February 4, 2026.
- Semifinalists must submit within 11 days:
- A current, complete high school transcript.
- The first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040 on which the applicant is claimed as a dependent.
- A nomination form and letter of recommendation from a community leader, such as a high school principal, elected official, or nonprofit executive director.
- Finalist Stage:
Tips for Crafting a Winning Application
To stand out in this competitive scholarship, consider the following strategies:
- Highlight Reagan’s Values: Research President Reagan’s principles—individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride—and align your essay with these ideals. Share specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated leadership, integrity, and citizenship in your community, school, or workplace.
- Tell a Compelling Story: Use your essay to tell a unique, personal story that showcases your character and drive. Avoid generic responses; instead, focus on specific achievements or challenges you’ve overcome that reflect Reagan’s “it can be done” persistence.
- Secure a Strong Recommendation: Choose a nominator who can speak to your leadership and community impact, such as a principal or nonprofit leader. Provide them with details about the scholarship’s values to ensure their letter aligns with the program’s criteria.
- Demonstrate Financial Need: Since financial need is a factor, ensure your financial documentation is complete and accurate. Include the first two pages of your parent’s most recent IRS Form 1040 if you advance to the semifinalist stage.
- Prepare for the Interview: If selected as a semifinalist, practice for the Skype or phone interview. Be ready to discuss your leadership experiences, future goals, and how you embody Reagan’s legacy.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and requirements. The application portal does not allow you to revisit initial essay prompts after reaching the semifinalist stage, so save your responses in a separate document for reference.
Why Apply for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship?
Beyond the substantial financial award, this scholarship offers unique benefits:
- Financial Support: Up to $40,000 can cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and on-campus room and board, reducing the burden of college costs.
- Leadership Development: Recipients attend an all-expenses-paid Scholars Retreat, fostering skills and connections with other young leaders.
- Networking Opportunities: Join a diverse network of over 225 scholars pursuing careers in medicine, law, education, business, and nonprofits.
- Prestige: Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of four “huge scholarships worth $10,000 or more,” this award enhances your resume and college applications.
Common Questions About the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
How Competitive Is the Scholarship?
With around 16,200 applicants and only 120 semifinalists in 2023, the scholarship is highly selective. Approximately 10-20 students are chosen as recipients each year, making the acceptance rate less than 0.1%.
What Are the Essay Prompts Like?
While exact prompts vary, the initial essay typically asks you to reflect on how you lead and serve like President Reagan, focusing on leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship. Semifinalists may face additional essay prompts, so avoid reusing topics from the first round.
When Are Notifications Sent?
Semifinalists are notified by email by early February, and finalists are informed by U.S. mail in early May. Non-selected applicants may not receive rejection emails, so monitor your application status.
Conclusion
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for high school seniors who embody the leadership and values of President Ronald Reagan. By showcasing your integrity, drive, and commitment to community service, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for this prestigious award. Start preparing early, align your application with Reagan’s principles, and submit by the January 3, 2026, deadline to take the first step toward securing up to $40,000 for your college education.
For more details and to apply, visit reaganfoundation.org/scholarships.