The Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Program, established by the The Phillips Foundation, seeks to recognize outstanding young people who are promoting American values on college campuses. The scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education, permitting the winners to devote more time both to pursuing their academic goals and advancing their leadership initiatives.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in good standing at any accredited, four-year degree-granting institution in the United States or its territories. Applicants may apply for the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Program during their sophomore year. Winners will receive the scholarship for their junior year and may apply for renewal before their senior year. While sophomores are preferred, juniors may also apply for a one-time award for the senior year.

Applicants will be asked to submit an essay of 500 to 750 words describing their backgrounds, career objectives and scope of participation in leadership activities promoting freedom, American values and constitutional principles. Although the program is merit-based rather than need-based, The Phillips Foundation will take into consideration evidence of financial need.

Scholarships are $7,500, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

The deadline to apply is January 15, 2013.