“The future of our country depends upon enlightened leadership, upon the truly educated—understanding—citizen.” —President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Gettysburg College has a long history of civic engagement with students and alumni making a difference in their communities and the world. The Eisenhower Scholarship recognizes outstanding first-year applicants with demonstrated achievement in civic engagement, leadership and change agency. We scour the nation to select high school students with a track record of positively transforming their communities. We seek students who have already gone above and beyond to make a difference – then give them the tools to grow that potential into even greater action.
The Eisenhower Scholarship is Gettysburg College’s most selective scholarship. But it’s more than just money – it’s a four-year investment to turn outstanding young leaders into tomorrow’s changemakers.
At Gettysburg College, Eisenhower Scholars continue their change-making journey with support from the Center for Public Service, Eisenhower Institute and Garthwait Leadership Center. Together, these distinctive programs guide a small cohort of students with shared interests and empower them to pursue their passions for greater good.
What does it mean to be an Eisenhower Scholar?
Recipients of the Eisenhower Scholarship are awarded $52,000 per year (totaling $208,000 for four years of full-time study at Gettysburg College). Eisenhower Scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA while at Gettysburg in order to keep the scholarship.
Exclusive opportunities for Eisenhower Scholars focus on cohort-building, community engagement, experiential learning, and professional growth.
First and Sophomore Years: Learn, Grow and Be Inspired
Spark curiosity and new ideas by building community with like-minded students and meeting innovative leaders who are improving lives and transforming communities. Activities include:
- 3-day campus pre-orientation
- One-on-one peer mentoring
- Monthly group activities
- Meetings with community and national leaders
- Experiential learning trip to Washington, D.C.
Junior and Senior Years: Evolve and Take Action
Pursue your Guided Pathway to greater action. Create a personal roadmap to determine how you will impact the world around you and become the change agent you want to be. Activities include:
- Individualized coaching and advising
- Design thinking workshops and projects with community partners
- Guaranteed research opportunities with faculty and alumni partners, or priority placement for summer fellowships and internships in DC or other locations
- One-on-one assistance with applications to top international and graduate scholarships and fellowships
Apply for the Eisenhower Scholarship
Application Requirements and Process
- Complete and submit both the Common Application and the Eisenhower Scholarship application by the designated deadline dates:
- Early Decision I: By November 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by December 15)
- Early Action: By December 1 (notified of admission and scholarship by February 1)
- Early Decision II: By January 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by February 15)
- Regular Decision: By January 15 (notified of admission and scholarship by March 15)
- Priority consideration is given to students who apply via Early Decision and Early Action.
- Students who are not recipients of the Eisenhower Scholarship will be automatically considered for the College’s other academic merit scholarships as part of the admissions review process.