Your student’s launching pad
Founded by President Ronald Reagan at his alma mater, the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Program inspires and develops tomorrow’s leaders.
Four years of leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong community
Since its founding, students from across the country have received personalized leadership development and gone on to lead in their communities as doctors, nurses, policymakers, activists, educators, and more.
Everything to lead — and to belong
Scholarship
- Full tuition for 4 years
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Additional aid may be available for books and room & board
Leadership Training
- Leadership course each semester
- 1:1 faculty mentoring
- Personalized leadership development
- Hands-on leadership experience
- Monthly colloquia & guest speakers
Mentorship
- Local and global opportunities
- Internships and academic experiences
- Up to $6,000 in expenses covered
- 4–12 week experiences
- Summer before senior year or during the academic year
Travel
- One-week international group trip
- Open to freshmen and sophomores; offered in odd-numbered years
- Past destinations: Sweden, Hong Kong, Spain
- Most expenses covered, including airfare, lodging, excursions, and two group dinners
In their words
“Being a part of the Reagan Leadership Program has provided me with many incredibly opportunities thus far. Because of the program, I have traveled to Stockholm and London, two experiences that have heightened my world view, and in turn, developed my leadership abilities, cultural awareness, and sense of self. I have endless gratitude for anyone who has contributed to the program, as they have contributed to my success at and beyond Eureka.”
— Leah Smolen, Reagan Fellow
“The Ronald Reagan Leadership Program has connected me with some of the most dedicated, talented, and hard-working people I’ve ever met. The fellows around me consistently inspire, encourage, and motivate me to go the extra mile in my own areas of study and interest. Through collaboration and true leadership opportunities, this program has not only strengthened my communication and leadership skills but also has become a genuinely impactful cornerstone in my life.”
— Matthew Swan, Reagan Fellow
“The Reagan Leadership Program has challenged me to grow as a leader through meaningful service projects and coursework focused on conflict resolution. One of the most impactful experiences was the opportunity to travel abroad, where I gained a greater appreciation for different cultures while building lasting relationships with my peers. I also look forward to completing my mentorship this spring, where I hope to further develop my leadership skills and gain valuable insight into international business practices. The experiences I’ve had through the program have broadened my perspective and prepared me to lead with confidence in a variety of settings.”
— Michael Beaumont, Reagan Fellow
“This program has given me so many opportunities! The Reagan Leadership Program gave me my first opportunity to travel abroad, where other students and I were able to learn about other cultures! I’ve received so much valuable leadership training and networking opportunities that I know will help set me up for life post-grad!”
— Addison Byers, Reagan Fellow
“The Reagan Leadership Program has given me opportunities to pursue different internships at the college, which have helped prepare me better for my future career. The Leadership program has also allowed me to develop my public speaking skills, my leadership skills on and off campus, as well as my communication skills when needing to coordinate events in a team setting. Being able to travel with the Reagan Leadership Program has also expanded my knowledge in cultural backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs.”
— Cloee O’Donoghue, Reagan Fellow
“The Reagan Leadership program and the support system it comes with has allowed me to focus on my personal development during my college years. The expectations of the program have driven me to be thankful for my opportunity and to use my time and abilities to serve my community. I will always be thankful for the Reagan Leadership Program, as it has given me the opportunity to develop myself as an academic, a leader, and a citizen.”
— Cole Glover, Reagan Fellow
“The Reagan Leadership Program has played a significant role in my growth as both a leader and a professional. Through the program, I've had opportunities to strengthen my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while working alongside motivated peers and mentors who continually challenge me to grow. One of the most valuable aspects of RLP has been the emphasis on leading through service and making a meaningful impact in the community. The experiences and connections I've gained through the program have helped prepare me to pursue internships, leadership roles, and future opportunities with greater confidence.”
— Solomon Muliira, Reagan Fellow
“The Reagan Leadership program has given me opportunities to meet new people and grow in a tight knit community. What stood out to me is how once you are a Reagan, you are a Reagan for the rest of your life. Being a Reagan extends far out of just your time in college.”
— Cole Smith, Reagan Fellow
Voices from our alumni
Reagan Fellows carry the program with them long after graduation. Here, alumni look back on what the fellowship made possible — and where it has taken them.
Reagan Fellow Alumna · Class of 2003
Dr. Carole Richards
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine · relief veterinarian, Northern Virginia
Richards earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Eureka and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell in 2007. Two experiences at Eureka College shaped what followed: an internship at a prominent zoo, and a business course that later helped her purchase and co-own two animal clinics through Caring Hands Animal Hospital. She returned to campus as the 2025 Founder’s Day keynote speaker and practices today as a relief veterinarian in Northern Virginia.
Reagan Fellow Alumnus · Class of 2005
Jordan Vardon
Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo
“I am a first-generation college graduate. The youngest of five in a family of boilermakers, autoworkers, carpenters, and farmers. I was clever, but the world is full of clever kids that never get a chance. The Reagan Fellowship Program and Eureka College was my chance. Once I got it, I never looked back. It has been the single most influential thing in my entire life.”
“The Reagan program matters. Eureka College matters. Somewhere out there is a clever kid that just needs a shot, and I am filled with gratitude for mine.”
— Jordan Vardon ’05, Reagan Fellow
Watch his 2024 Reagan Celebration remarks →
Reagan Fellow Alumnus · Class of 2009
Matthew Cahill, J.D.
Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration
Find your champion — and luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
Delivering the 2026 Founder’s Day address, Cahill traced his career back to Eureka and offered current students two themes for success. The first: relationships matter, further explaining that it's worth finding someone who will advocate for you. The second: when chance puts you in front of someone who can help, preparation is what lets you meet the moment.
He closed by asking students to return the favor — as they gain tenure and credibility in their own fields, to mentor someone just starting out.
Ambassador Rhodes
Former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe · Reagan & Bush White House aide
Ambassador J. Steven Rhodes’ distinguished career includes serving as Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan for Intergovernmental Affairs, Chief Domestic Advisor to Vice President George Bush, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Zimbabwe. He is the inaugural Visiting Reagan Fellow at Eureka College.
Read his full story →Your application roadmap, month-by-month
Open to incoming freshman students with a 3.3+ GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Students with a strong record of service are encouraged to apply.
Application dates vary each year. Here’s the general path to becoming a Reagan Fellow.
Ready to start?
Applications open each cycle for incoming first-year students.
The legacy runs through all three.
