The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride, presidential scholarship awarded annually to academically outstanding high school students. Funded by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation, the scholarship covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. As a highly competitive and sought-after scholarship, the Coolidge seeks to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to public service.
Established in honor of America’s 30th President, Calvin Coolidge, the scholarship aims to promote the values and virtues embodied by the former leader. Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes submitting academic transcripts, writing essays, and participating in interviews. Recipients often go on to make significant contributions to their chosen fields, and through the Coolidge Scholarship, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation aims to invest in the future leaders of America.
Eligibility Criteria
The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious and sought-after full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited American college or university. To be eligible for this amazing opportunity, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.
First and foremost, the Coolidge Scholarship is open to high school juniors who plan to enroll full-time in an undergraduate program for the first time in fall 2024. This means that students who are currently in their junior year of high school, or the equivalent if home-schooled, are the target audience for this award.
In addition to being in the right stage of their education, applicants must also be either U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The scholarship is inclusive, welcoming applications from dreamers as well.
The Coolidge Scholarship is a non-partisan, need-blind program. This means that any student, regardless of their background or the academic discipline they intend to study, can apply for this opportunity. The selection process is rigorous and competitive – students must excel academically and demonstrate qualities such as leadership, public service, and appreciation for the values that President Coolidge championed.
To summarize, the primary eligibility requirements for the Coolidge Scholarship include:
- Being a high school junior or its equivalent
- Planning to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university for the first time in fall 2024
- Being a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, including dreamers
With these requirements in mind, eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Coolidge Scholarship and take advantage of this life-changing financial support.
Scholarship Benefits
The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious presidential scholarship that offers numerous advantages to the recipients. One of the key benefits is that it is a full-ride scholarship, meaning it covers a wide range of expenses for the undergraduate students.
The scholarship is designed to support students for four years of undergraduate study. Throughout this period, the scholarship covers the students’ tuition, ensuring they receive quality education without the stress of financial burden.
In addition to tuition, the Coolidge Scholarship also takes care of the students’ room and board expenses. This allows the recipients to focus on their academic pursuits without worrying about accommodation and meal costs during their time in college.
Another notable benefit is the provision of an annual stipend for books and supplies. This ensures that students have access to essential learning materials for their courses, further enhancing their academic experience.
Apart from covering these major expenses, the Coolidge Scholarship also takes care of other required fees, providing a comprehensive financial package that significantly eases the financial burden on students and their families.
The Coolidge Scholarship offers unmatched benefits, making it a highly sought-after opportunity for students across the United States. Its financial coverage allows recipients to fully immerse themselves in their academic pursuits without the pressure of hefty expenses.
Application Process
Required Documents
The Coolidge Scholarship has an application process through which candidates must submit several required documents. Firstly, applicants need to fill out the application form provided on the Coolidge Scholarship website.
Essays
An important part of the scholarship application is the essays. Candidates should be prepared to write and submit multiple essays, focusing on various topics. These essays allow applicants to showcase their knowledge, passion, and character, which play a significant role in the evaluation process.
Transcript
Applicants must provide their official high school transcript as part of the application process. This transcript should include information about the student’s academic performance, courses taken, and GPA.
Recommendation Letters
Another essential component of the Coolidge Scholarship application is the recommendation letters. Candidates should obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors or other adults who can vouch for their academic abilities and personal qualities. It’s crucial to choose recommenders who can provide specific examples and insights about the applicant’s achievements and character traits.
GPA
The Coolidge Scholarship is open to applicants with varying GPAs, but a strong academic record can increase an applicant’s chances of being selected. While there is no specific GPA requirement mentioned, it’s essential for candidates to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence through consistent performance in high school.
The Application Process section on the Coolidge Scholarship website provides detailed information about the overall process and requirements. Interested candidates should carefully review all the criteria and instructions before submitting their application materials.
Selection Criteria
The Coolidge Scholarship selection criteria emphasize multiple qualities, including both academic and personal facets. One of the vital factors is academic excellence, which is reflected in an outstanding academic record. Scholars are expected to have pursued and succeeded in the most rigorous course of study available to them.
Another criterion is the applicant’s commitment to the values Coolidge championed. This involves an appreciation for and understanding of fiscal responsibility, as well as a clear recognition of the importance of the Constitution.
Applicants should also showcase intellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for learning. This curiosity goes beyond the borders of their primary academic discipline and demonstrates a desire to explore a range of subjects and knowledge areas.
A strong sense of humility is also favored in Coolidge Scholarship applicants. This characteristic reveals the ability to appreciate the value of others while considering the impact of their actions and decisions. Humility helps develop a sense of community and team spirit, crucial for an accomplished scholar.
The criterion of leadership emphasizes not only the ability to direct a group or project but also the skills needed for active listening, empathy, and adaptability. These traits allow scholars to inspire and motivate others while fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
In summary, Coolidge Scholarship applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, commitment to the values championed by Coolidge, intellectual curiosity, humility, and strong leadership skills. These criteria help to identify the most deserving candidates for this full-ride, prestigious scholarship.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. One of the most important dates to remember while applying for the Coolidge Scholarship is the application deadline. For the 2022-23 cycle, the application deadline is Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. It is crucial for applicants to take note of the time zone as well, to avoid any last-minute confusions.
Since the scholarship process involves multiple materials, it is essential to submit all necessary documents by the deadline, including the two letters of reference. Recommenders should also be informed well in advance about the required submission date.
Following the application deadline, the selection process commences. By Summer 2023, applicants will be notified of their outcomes. Candidates can check their application status by logging into their application portal. It is important to keep track of the notifications during this time, as prompt responses might be required for further steps.
In summary, key dates for the Coolidge Scholarship applicants include:
- Application deadline: February 23, 2023, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time
- Notification of outcomes: By Summer 2023
By being well-aware of these important dates and deadlines, applicants can ensure that they have ample time to prepare all the necessary materials and submit them on time.
Coolidge Scholars Program and Related Opportunities
Finalist Weekend
The Coolidge Scholars Program is a prestigious, full-ride presidential scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in the United States. As part of the selection process, finalists are invited to participate in a special event called the Finalist Weekend. During this time, finalists gather to network with their peers, participate in various activities and interviews, and learn more about the Coolidge Scholarship and its benefits.
Senators Summit
In addition to the scholarship, the Coolidge Foundation hosts an annual event called the Senators Summit. This gathering brings together Coolidge Scholars, finalists, and other high-achieving students, known as Coolidge Senators, in Washington, D.C. for a weekend of learning, networking, and personal growth. During the summit, participants attend seminars, panel discussions, and workshops led by distinguished experts in various fields. The aim of this event is to foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of public policy, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Coolidge Senators
The Coolidge Senators Program recognizes and honors high-achieving students who were competitive in the Coolidge Scholars Program but did not ultimately receive the scholarship. These exceptional individuals receive the title of Coolidge Senators and are invited to participate in exclusive events and programs organized by the Coolidge Foundation, such as the aforementioned Senators Summit. By providing access to resources and networking opportunities, the foundation aims to cultivate future leaders and support their academic and professional growth.
Further Involvement and Legacy
The Coolidge Scholarship aims to honor the legacy of America’s 30th President, Calvin Coolidge. It offers students with strong academic backgrounds, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in public policy a chance to receive a full-ride, presidential scholarship for their undergraduate studies.
One of the key aspects of the Coolidge Scholarship is its connection to Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where President Coolidge was born and raised. Plymouth Notch is home to the Coolidge Homestead, which offers educational opportunities and programs related to Calvin Coolidge’s life and policies. The Coolidge Historical Site at Plymouth Notch serves as a point of inspiration, providing scholars with insights into the former President’s character, work ethic, and dedication to public service.
In addition to their academic accomplishments, Coolidge Scholars are encouraged to become actively involved in public policy and service initiatives. This involvement allows them to further develop their knowledge and skills in the areas that interested President Coolidge, such as responsible governance and fiscal restraint. By engaging in these activities, scholars contribute to the legacy of Calvin Coolidge and promote his core values.
Moreover, the Coolidge Scholars Program holds events and conferences, providing scholars with networking opportunities and resources to deepen their understanding of public policy. These events often take place in Vermont, reinforcing the connection between scholars and the historical roots of the scholarship.
Through their involvement in public policy and service, Coolidge Scholars strengthen the legacy of Calvin Coolidge while shaping their futures as leaders and change-makers. By embracing the principles and values exemplified by America’s 30th President, they have the chance to make a lasting impact on their communities and the nation as a whole.
Restrictions and Exclusions
The Coolidge Scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing undergraduate study at an accredited college or university in the United States. Students intending to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university for the first time in the fall are eligible to apply. This means that high school juniors, or the equivalent if homeschooled, are the primary candidates for this scholarship.
It is important to note that legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply, but the scholarship must be used at an accredited college or university within the United States. The scholarship covers various costs, including tuition, room and board, and required fees.
However, there are some exclusions for certain individuals when it comes to applying. Employees, trustees, and their immediate family members are typically not eligible for the Coolidge Scholarship. This restriction is in place to ensure a fair selection process and avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
In summary, the Coolidge Scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, targeting students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents and plan to pursue undergraduate studies at an accredited college or university in the United States. High school juniors are the main focus, with some restrictions excluding current employees, trustees, and their immediate family members from applying. This comprehensive scholarship aims to provide substantial financial support for deserving candidates throughout their undergraduate journey.
Additional Resources
The Coolidge Scholarship is a prestigious college scholarship for high-achieving students in the United States. This full-ride, need-blind, and non-partisan scholarship covers tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study at any accredited college or university in America.
Not only does the Coolidge Scholarship offer financial support, but it also provides a range of additional resources aimed at enriching the academic and personal growth of recipients. Here are some key resources offered by the Coolidge Scholarship program:
- Debate Programs: The Coolidge Foundation is committed to promoting debate programs for students interested in public policy and political issues. Participating in debate programs can help students develop strong communication skills, critical thinking ability, and persuasive argumentation skills — all of which are valuable in their academic and professional pursuits.
- Support for High Achieving Students: The Coolidge Scholarship targets students who excel academically and demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. These high achieving students are provided with a supportive network of likeminded peers, allowing them to learn from one another and connect on various topics.
- Need-blind Admissions: The Coolidge Scholarship is open to students of all backgrounds and does not consider the applicant’s financial situation during the application process. This need-blind policy helps to ensure that students who possess the qualifications and motivation required for this prestigious scholarship have an equal chance of being awarded, regardless of their financial means.
- Non-partisan Scholarship: In keeping with the spirit of President Coolidge, the Coolidge Scholarship is non-partisan and open to students pursuing any academic discipline of study. This ensures that a diverse range of interests and areas of study are represented among Coolidge Scholars, promoting the exchange of ideas and experiences.
For students interested in applying for the Coolidge Scholarship, the official coolidgescholars.org website is the best reference point for information on how to apply and the selection process. By engaging with these additional resources, recipients of the Coolidge Scholarship have the chance not only to finance their education but also enhance their academic and personal growth.