What Are the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute Scholarships?
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute offers two prestigious scholarship programs designed to support outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship.
These scholarships recognize students who embody President Ronald Reagan’s values and commitment to public service, offering financial aid to help them pursue higher education.
- GE-Reagan Scholarship: Created in partnership with GE, this national merit-based scholarship recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, and citizenship.
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program: A regional scholarship available exclusively to high school seniors in Ventura County, California, this program rewards students who exhibit strong academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Who Is Eligible for the Reagan Foundation Scholarships?
Both Reagan Foundation scholarship programs seek to support high-achieving students who demonstrate leadership, integrity, academic excellence, and a commitment to service.
Key Eligibility Criteria
GE-Reagan Scholarship (National)
- Must be a high school senior graduating in the current academic year
- Must demonstrate leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship through community involvement and extracurricular activities
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Must be planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Financial need is not a requirement, but students should show a commitment to using their education for positive social impact
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program (Ventura County, CA)
- Must be a high school senior graduating from a school in Ventura County, California
- Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, citizenship, and a commitment to community service
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended
- Must be planning to attend a two- or four-year college or university in the U.S.
- Open to U.S. citizens and legal residents
- Financial need may be considered but is not required for eligibility
The Role of Leadership, Community Involvement, and Financial Need
Both programs prioritize students who have taken on leadership roles in school clubs, community projects, or volunteer organizations. Service to others is a key value of the Reagan Foundation, so students who have engaged in meaningful community work will stand out in the selection process.
While financial need is not a primary factor for these scholarships, applicants should highlight how receiving this financial support would help them achieve their long-term educational and career goals. The committee looks for students who will use their education to create lasting, positive change in their communities and beyond.
Reagan Foundation Scholarship Requirements
Both the GE-Reagan Scholarship and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program have a detailed application process.
Applicants must submit several materials that demonstrate their academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement.
Necessary Documents for the Application
- Completed Online Application (available through the Reagan Foundation website)
- High School Transcript showing GPA and academic performance
- Resume or List of Activities highlighting leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and community service
- Personal Statement or Essays responding to scholarship-specific prompts
- Letters of Recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders
- Financial Documents (if applicable) for students requesting financial consideration
Details on Essays, Letters of Recommendation, and Transcripts
Essays
- Applicants must submit thoughtful, well-crafted responses to prompts about leadership, integrity, and commitment to service.
- Essays should reflect personal experiences, challenges, and aspirations that align with President Reagan’s values.
- Strong responses will include specific examples of leadership, problem-solving, and impact on the community.
Letters of Recommendation
- Typically, two recommendation letters are required.
- Recommenders should be teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can provide insight into the applicant’s character, leadership abilities, and commitment to service.
- Letters should include specific examples of the student’s work ethic, leadership, and how they embody Reagan’s principles of integrity and service.
Transcripts
- Official or unofficial high school transcripts must be uploaded to verify GPA requirements.
- If a school does not use a 4.0 scale, applicants may need to provide a grading scale conversion or counselor verification.
Additional Materials Required
- Financial Information (Only for Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars applicants seeking financial need consideration)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency (Required for both programs)
- Acceptance Letter (if available) to a two- or four-year college or university (may be requested at a later stage)
How to Apply for the Reagan Foundation Scholarships
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program have a similar application process, but eligibility requirements and deadlines differ.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Application Process
Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria
- Ensure you meet the academic, leadership, and community service requirements for the scholarship you are applying for.
- The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is open to students nationwide.
- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program is exclusively for Ventura County, California, students.
Step 2: Access the Online Application
- Applications for both scholarships are available on the Reagan Foundation website during the open application period.
- Create an account on the application portal and complete all required sections.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Provide personal details, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and leadership experiences.
- Indicate any financial need information, if applicable.
Step 4: Write and Submit Required Essays
- Respond to essay prompts that focus on leadership, integrity, service, and personal aspirations.
- Use specific examples to demonstrate leadership and community impact.
Step 5: Gather and Upload Supporting Documents
- High school transcript (official or unofficial, depending on program requirements)
- Resume or activity list showcasing leadership and service involvement
- Two letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders
- Financial documents (for applicants requesting need-based consideration)
Step 6: Submit the Application Before the Deadline
- GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Deadline: Typically January
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program Deadline: Typically end of January or early February
- Confirm all materials have been uploaded and submit the application before 11:59 PM PT on the deadline date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
- Submitting an incomplete application: Missing documents can disqualify an applicant.
- Not tailoring essays to the specific scholarship: Responses should align with Reagan’s values of leadership, service, and integrity.
- Waiting until the last minute: Late submissions are not accepted, so apply early.
- Ignoring financial documentation: If applying for need-based consideration, ensure financial forms are accurate and submitted.
Reagan Foundation Scholarship Deadline & Important Dates
The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program follow separate timelines.
Below are the key deadlines for each program.
Current Application Deadlines (2024–2025 Cycle)
| Scholarship Name | GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship | Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program |
| Application Opens | Fall 2024 | Winter 2024 |
| Application Deadline | January 3, 2025 | January 31, 2025 |
| Semifinalists Announced | February 2025 | March 2025 |
| Finalists Notified | March 2025 | April 2025 |
| Winners Announced | April 2025 | May 2025 |
Important Note: The 2024-2025 application cycle has closed. The next cycle for 2025-2026 will open in Fall 2025, with deadlines expected to follow a similar timeline. Students should check the Reagan Foundation website for the latest updates.
Key Timeline for Students to Follow
- September–December 2024
- Applications for the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship are open.
- Students should begin gathering transcripts, recommendation letters, and financial documents if required.
- January–February 2025
- The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship application closes (January deadline).
- The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program application opens.
- Finalize and submit all required essays, documents, and application materials.
- March–April 2025
- Semi-finalists and finalists are notified.
- Additional documents may be required for selected applicants.
- May–June 2025
- Winners are announced and receive further instructions on scholarship disbursement.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Winning a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship or a Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program award requires strong leadership, integrity, and a commitment to service.
What Scholarship Judges Look for in an Applicant
- Leadership & Service: Highlight roles where you led initiatives, influenced change, or made a lasting community impact.
- Academic Excellence: Showcase your commitment to learning through challenging coursework.
- Personal Integrity: Share experiences that demonstrate perseverance, ethical decision-making, and personal growth.
How to Write a Standout Essay
- Tell your story: Use personal anecdotes to illustrate leadership and service.
- Align with Reagan’s values: Show how your goals reflect leadership, citizenship, and service.
- Be authentic: Let your passion and unique voice shine through.
Community Service & Leadership
- Show meaningful contributions: Focus on long-term, impactful involvement rather than a list of activities.
- Quantify your impact: Use numbers to demonstrate real results (e.g., funds raised, people mentored).
Getting Strong Letters of Recommendation
- Choose the right people: Ask mentors who can genuinely speak to your leadership and character.
- Request early: Give recommenders ample time and key details about the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Reagan Foundation Scholarships
How competitive is the scholarship, and what is the acceptance rate?
The Ronald Reagan Scholarship is highly competitive, selecting only about 11 recipients annually from thousands of applicants, while the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program awards multiple students within Ventura County based on merit.
Can I apply if I’m already in college?
No, both scholarships are only open to high school seniors who plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university.
How will I receive the scholarship money?
Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s college or university to cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
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