2026 Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars Program

Ventura County, California high school seniors who showcase leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to the local community can earn a share of up to $50,000 annually in college scholarships. In addition to receiving money for college, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholars join a network of more than 260 student leaders from 30 Ventura County high schools who have received nearly $1 million in scholarships since 2000.

Timeline:

December 1, 2025: Application Opens

January 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST: Application Closes

By Mid March 2026: All Applicants Notified of Status

March-April 2026: Semifinalists Submit Additional Materials

Late Spring: Recipients Notified

There are no exceptions to application deadlines and extensions will not be granted. Please plan accordingly for potential challenges due to weather, technology, illness, or other circumstances. Note: submission processing time can be delayed into the final hours before the deadline so please submit early and don’t wait until the last minute.

Applicants who submit a complete application prior to the deadline will be notified of their status via email by mid March 2026. Semifinalists will be instructed to submit additional materials. Not all applicants will be selected as semifinalists. Not all semifinalists will be selected as recipients. No application feedback will be given.

Award Information:

Ten (10) awards of $5,000 each will be granted. Awards are for undergraduate study and may be used for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, required supplies, and on-campus room and board at a four-year institution in the United States.

Follow the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on social media @RonaldReaganEDU for news about this and other scholarship programs. Visit our website to learn more about Ronald Reagan through leadership courses, competitions, and digital learning.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholar candidates must:

• Demonstrate outstanding leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to Ventura County

• Demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent)

• Be citizens of the United States of America

• Graduate from a high school in Ventura County, California during the current academic year (home-schooled high school seniors in Ventura County, California also are eligible)

• Plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year

Ineligible candidates include employees and Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) who administer the Ronald Reagan Library, and Kaleidoscope and their immediate families, as well as members of the selection committee and their immediate families. 

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute reserve the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time, including termination of the program.

Characteristics of a Scholar

Leadership 

Scholars possess natural leadership skills, vision, and ambition, and pursue roles of influence and service. They use their influence to set a positive example for their peers and set a course for progress in their school and in their community. 

Character 

Scholars are rooted in their principles, values, and ethics. They earn the respect of their peers, school administrators, and community leaders by demonstrating integrity, dependability, conviction, and strong personal character. 

Communication Skills 

Scholars use their skills as communicators to inspire others and affect positive change in the community. Using clear and purposeful communication skills and strategies, Scholars articulate a clear vision for improving the community and motivate their peers to contribute to a greater cause. 

Academic Achievement 

Scholars are driven to excel academically. They value a quality education as a means for personal advancement. Scholars seek the “hard” academic road and diligently pursue a high standard of achievement. 

Commitment to Ventura County 

Scholars are upstanding representatives of Ventura County. They actively engage in their community and make notable contributions of selfless service. Scholars take pride in their County and are, in turn, considered community assets.