Q: I am concerned that my family makes too much money for me to be eligible. Should I apply?
A: Yes! Financial information is just one component of the full evaluation process, and there is not an established threshold of adjusted gross income used as an eligibility requirement. Applicants are first considered on the basis of merit. We encourage all applicants to apply and to not rule themselves out based on financial circumstances.
Q: What does the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship cover? What does it not cover?
A: The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship may be applied to education-related expenses that are charged through a student’s account, such as tuition, fees, books, required supplies, and on-campus room and board. The award generally does not cover books purchased outside of a student account, transportation, test-prep courses, off-campus housing, groceries, club fees, or student loans. Technology and specialty equipment required for a course may be covered by the award.
Q: How is the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program funded?
A: The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship is funded through a partnership between General Electric and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, and was established in 2011 as part of the centennial celebration of President Reagan’s birth. During the 1950s, President Reagan visited General Electric facilities across the nation as a company spokesman and host of the popular General Electric Theater – a time that is widely believed to have been formative in developing his acclaimed communication skills.
Q: I am not a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible?
A: The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizens only. We encourage you to explore free scholarship search engines online to identify awards for which you are eligible.
Q: I am not yet a high school senior. Can I start my application now?
A: Sign up to be notified when the application opens during your senior year. For now, you can learn how to apply and review our scholarship resources.
Q: Are current college students eligible to apply for this award, for college or graduate school?
A: The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is open only to current high school seniors who plan to attend their first year of college the following fall.
Q: Is this program only open to a particular political ideology?
A: No. The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program is apolitical and supports student leaders who exemplify the perennial characteristics of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.
Q: Can I save my application throughout the process?
A: You may save your application responses by clicking “Save Answers” at the bottom of the application page and return to your secure application at any time prior to the deadline.
Q: How do I know if my application has been received?
A: After all required fields have been completed, you will be given the opportunity to “Lock and Submit” your application. After doing so, you will receive a confirmation message within the application and via your email.
Q: Should I submit my transcript, recommendation, and financial documentation during the application process?
A: Only semifinalists are required to submit a transcript, recommendation, and financial documentation. If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be given instructions for submitting these supplemental materials. Do not mail documents to GE, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, or Scholarship America. Materials submitted in this way will not be considered and will be discarded.
Q: When and how will I be notified about my scholarship status?
A: Communication is handled via email. Be sure that you add @scholarshipamerica.org to your list of approved senders. Check your spam folder to ensure that you do not miss a notification.
Q: If I am not selected for an award, will I receive feedback about my application?
A: Due to the high volume of applicants, individual feedback will not be provided.
Q: Do semifinalists or finalists receive any money?
A: Scholarships are awarded to recipients only.
Q: If I am selected for an award, does it automatically renew each year?
A: Recipients must apply for renewal each year they have eligible funding and must remain in good academic standing.
Q: Who should I contact with questions about the application process?
A: Contact scholarships@reaganfoundation.org with questions. Applicants should anticipate a response to inquiries within one business day. Personnel at GE and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute cannot address applicant questions.
