GE Aerospace and Reagan Foundation Honor 15th Class of $40,000 Scholarship Recipients

In a celebration of leadership and civic excellence, GE Aerospace and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute have announced the 15th class of GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars. Ten high school graduates from across the United States will each receive $40,000 in college scholarships, awarded over four years, for demonstrating exceptional leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship.

Investing in the Next Generation of Aerospace Leaders

While the scholarship is not limited to aerospace-bound students, GE Aerospace’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to cultivating talent that could one day shape the future of flight, defense, and space exploration. With nearly $10 million awarded to 236 students since the program’s inception in 2011, the initiative has become a cornerstone of GE Aerospace’s educational outreach.

The 2025 recipients hail from nine states and will attend institutions including Princeton, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and the University of Alabama. Their academic and leadership achievements span community service, STEM innovation, and public advocacy, traits that align with the aerospace industry’s need for multidisciplinary thinkers and mission-driven professionals.

A Retreat for Reflection and Growth

The scholars were honored at a retreat held at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, where they participated in leadership development activities and a formal awards ceremony. The event emphasized President Reagan’s legacy and the enduring values of public service and principled leadership.

Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer at the Reagan Foundation, noted, “We are proud to welcome these extraordinary young leaders into our network of accomplished GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars across the country, now 15 years and nearly 250 leaders strong.”

Aerospace’s Stake in Civic Leadership

As aerospace companies navigate complex global challenges, from climate resilience to national security, the need for ethically grounded, forward-thinking leaders is more urgent than ever. Programs like the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship serve not only as a pipeline for future talent but also as a signal of the industry’s values.

GE Aerospace’s support of this program underscores its belief that leadership is not confined to the cockpit or the lab, it begins in classrooms, communities, and conversations. For aerospace professionals, this initiative is a reminder that investing in character is as vital as investing in capability.

With the 2025 class now embarking on their college journeys, GE Aerospace and the Reagan Foundation continue to shape a legacy of leadership that could influence aerospace innovation for decades to come. Whether these scholars pursue careers in engineering, policy, or entrepreneurship, their shared foundation in integrity and service will be a powerful asset to any mission.