Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute and GE Aerospace Announce Inaugural Recipients of Workforce Readiness Scholarship

Ten Students Awarded Up to $20,000 Each for Technical Education and Career Training

Simi Valley, CA — Novemeber 5, 2026 — The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) and GE Aerospace today announced the inaugural recipients of the GE Aerospace–Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship, recognizing 10 outstanding students pursuing technical education and skilled careers. The scholarships, totaling up to $200,000, reflect a shared commitment to strengthening America’s workforce, expanding educational opportunity, and preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.

 Selected for their exceptional technical excellence, reliability and positivity, the inaugural class of GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship Program recipients are: 

• Tysen Baker, McCook, NE

  Electrical and Industrial Technology, Mid Plains Community College North Platte

• Emery Branigan, Albin, WY

  Electrical and Industrial Technology, Laramie County Community College

• Lane Cashon, Trophy Club, TX

  Welding and Fabrication, Arclabs Welding School

• Sullivan Fernandez, Sterling, CO

  Welding and Fabrication, Northeastern Junior College

• Nicholas Lomax Singh, Shrewsbury, PA

  Aviation Maintenance Technology, Pennsylvania College of Technology

• Brayden Oberrecht, Lynchburg, OH

  Welding and Fabrication, Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

• Daniel Rossi, Brackney, PA

  Electrical and Industrial Technology, Johnson College of Technology

• Fred Thomas, Martinsville, IL

  Electrical and Industrial Technology, North American Lineman Trading Center

• Roy Waters, Iron River, MI

  Welding and Fabrication, Advanced Welding Institute

• Justin Wilshusen, Paso Robles, CA

  Welding and Fabrication, Cuesta College

 These recipients will each receive up to $20,000 toward the costs of their technical training, as well as programming and mentorship from GE Aerospace and the RRPFI. 

Through a five-year commitment exceeding $1 million, the GE Aerospace–Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship will provide scholarships and educational support to high school seniors pursuing technical training and workforce-aligned postsecondary education. According to a study cited by the Aerospace Industries Association, 76% of companies face difficulty finding engineering talent and 56% report shortages in skilled manufacturing. 

“We are proud to celebrate this inaugural class of scholars, whose talent, determination, and commitment to technical careers represent the future of American manufacturing,” said Meghan Thurlow, President of the GE Aerospace Foundation. “By expanding access to education and workforce training, our partnership with the Reagan Foundation is helping more young people build meaningful careers while strengthening the skilled workforce our industry and our country need for the future.” 

The 2027 GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship Program will begin accepting applications on Feb. 1, 2027. Candidates graduating high school in 2027 and pursuing technical degrees, industry certifications, skilled-trade training, two-year degrees, and other workforce-aligned post-secondary programs are encouraged to apply. In recognition of GE Aerospace’s longstanding support for the U.S. military, 25 percent of all scholarships are reserved for students from military households. 

“President Reagan understood that America’s strength depends on the ingenuity, determination, and skills of its workforce,” said Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “There are many pathways to success, and we are proud to partner with GE Aerospace to recognize exceptional students pursuing technical education and skilled careers. These scholarships represent an investment not only in the futures of these young people, but also in the future of American industry and innovation.” 

The GE Aerospace–Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship builds on the longstanding partnership between GE Aerospace and the Reagan Foundation. Now in its 17th year, the national GE–Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program supports students who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship and plan to pursue a four-year degree. Together, the two scholarship programs reflect a shared commitment to recognizing exceptional young Americans and supporting their pursuit of meaningful careers through a variety of educational pathways. Information about both scholarship programs can be found at reaganfoundation.org/scholarships. 

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About the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. 

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students. 

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions. 

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.

Media Contacts 

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute
James Rogers
Director of Digital Strategy & Communications
jrogers@reaganfoundation.org

248-912-5858

GE Aerospace

Deb Silverman
Director of Philanthropy
deb.silverman@geaerospace.com
513-304-7082