What Is the Coolidge Scholarship?
The Coolidge Scholarship 2025/2026 is a prestigious, full-ride merit scholarship awarded by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. It is designed to support ambitious high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, humility, and public service.
Coolidge 2025/2026
Unlike many scholarships that restrict major or institution, the Coolidge Scholarship can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university, giving scholars the freedom to choose the path that best fits their goals.
Winners receive funding for four years of undergraduate study—covering tuition, room, board, and other expenses, making it one of the most generous merit scholarships in the United States.
Why the Coolidge Scholarship 2025/2026 Matters
- Full financial support: Scholars do not need to worry about tuition or basic college living costs.
- Prestige: Being a Coolidge Scholar is a mark of excellence, leadership, and service.
- Personal growth: Finalists attend an interview weekend at Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where they meet other top students and alumni.
- Legacy and values: The scholarship celebrates the values of President Calvin Coolidge—public service, civic responsibility, humility, and scholarship.
- Network: Scholars become part of a community of highly-achieving individuals and may attend annual events and summits.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025/2026
To apply for the Coolidge 2025/2026 cycle, students must meet specific eligibility requirements defined by the Coolidge Foundation:
1. Current High School Status
- Applicants must be juniors in high school (or the equivalent) by the application deadline for the 2025–26 scholarship cycle.
2. Citizenship or Residency
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident to apply.
3. First-Time College Enrollment
- Applicants must intend to enroll full-time in a U.S. college or university in fall 2027 (for the 2025-26 application).
4. No Conflicts
- Immediate family members of current employees, major donors, or trustees of the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation are not eligible.
5. Strong Academic Performance
Selection is heavily based on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, service, and “Coolidge values.”
Award Value & What It Covers
The Coolidge Scholarship 2025/2026 is a full-ride award that covers:
- Tuition
- Room and board
- Other expenses (books, fees, possibly more)
This is not a partial scholarship—the intention is to fully support scholars for four years of undergraduate study.
In addition to the financial award, recipients gain immersive experiences:
- Finalist weekend in Vermont, hosted by the Coolidge Foundation.
- Orientation and networking at the Coolidge Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, Vermont.
- Annual summer gatherings and opportunities to engage in leadership and public policy activities.
Application Process & Timeline
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for the Coolidge 2025/2026:
1. Check the Official Website
- Visit the Coolidge Scholars Program site to learn more and register.
2. Prepare for Application
- As an eligible high school junior, gather your academic transcripts, résumé, letters of recommendation, and any required essays.
- Reflect on your leadership, public service, and how you align with their values—these are critical selection criteria.
3. Write Application Essays
- Strong essays are essential; they often ask you to reflect on service, public policy, personal humility, and future goals.
- You may need multiple essays or short-answer responses that speak to your intellectual curiosity and character.
4. Submit by Deadline
- For the Coolidge Scholarship 2025/2026 cycle, the deadline is December 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
- Make sure all components—application form, letters, essays—are submitted before this date.
5. Finalist Weekend
- If selected as a finalist, you and your parent/guardian will be invited to Vermont for the Finalist Interview Weekend, where interviews and evaluations take place.
- Travel and lodging for the weekend are covered by the Coolidge Foundation.
6. Award Notification
- Recipients will be notified by June 1, 2026.
Selection Criteria: What the Foundation Looks For
When reviewing applications, the Coolidge selection committee evaluates candidates based on:
Academic Excellence
Applicants should have rigorous academic records and intellectual potential.
Public Policy Interest
A strong interest in public policy, governance, civic duty, or any area reflecting Coolidge’s legacy is highly valued.
Service & Humility
The scholarship seeks students with humility, community engagement, and a servant-leadership mindset.
Character & Leadership
Beyond grades, qualities like leadership, integrity, and self-awareness are considered important.
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Benefits Beyond Financial Support
Being named a Coolidge Scholar is not just about money. The scholarship also:
- Provides opportunities for personal growth through mentorship and retreats.
- Creates a network of high-achieving peers who share a commitment to service and leadership.
- Gives scholars an annual chance to engage with the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and historic sites.
- Invites top non-scholar finalists to become “Coolidge Senators,” who join a summit in Vermont for public service training.
Challenges & Considerations
- Highly Competitive: Only a small number of applicants become scholars.
- Interview Requirement: Finalists must attend a rigorous finalist weekend involving interviews.
- Residency Restriction: Only U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents are eligible.
- Strict Applicant Grade: Applicants must apply in junior year of high school—senior students are not eligible.
- Values Alignment: Scholarship favors students interested in public policy, civic engagement, and leadership, rather than purely academic achievement.
Tips to Improve Your Application For 2025/2026
1. Start Early
Begin your application preparation in your junior year. Outline essays, think about public service projects, and gather recommendations well in advance.
2. Reflect on Values
Consider the values (humility, civic duty, private virtue) resonate in your life and community.
3. Show Leadership & Service
Get involved in school or community initiatives. Demonstrate long-term commitment rather than superficial participation.
4. Prepare for Interview Weekend
Practice answering typical interview questions about policy, purpose, and leadership. Be ready to discuss your essays, ideas, and goals.
5. Get Strong Recommendations
Ask mentors or teachers who know both your academic and character strengths to write your letters.
6. Write Authentic Essays
Don’t use overly complex language for the sake of impressing. Speak from the heart about your experiences and vision.
Conclusion
The Scholarship stands out as one of the most distinguished merit-based awards for students in the United States. It not only provides full financial support for four years but also creates a powerful platform for young leaders who align with Calvin Coolidge’s legacy of service, integrity, and intellectual rigor. If you are a high-achieving high school junior with academic ambition, a commitment to service, and a passion for making a difference, this could be the right opportunity to help you afford college and grow as a person.
Apply early, think deeply about your values and plans, and be ready to share your authentic story. With preparation and vision, you could become a Coolidge Scholarship winner and join a community dedicated to leadership and civic responsibility.
