Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Washington Crossing Foundation

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarships

Description: The Board of Trustees awards annual scholarships to students completing twelfth grade (or final high school year) in 2027 who plan careers in government service. Applicants must be United States citizens and should demonstrate a commitment to public service and interest inspired, in part, by the leadership exemplified at Washington Crossing. Awards vary in amount and are intended to support postsecondary study at accredited institutions, including eligibility for those attending military academies or holding full tuition scholarships. The Foundation also offers regional scholarships targeted to specific states and areas.

• National competition focused on careers in local, state, or federal government.
• Open to U.S. citizen high school seniors completing their final year in 2027.
• Includes national and regional awards with varying durations and conditions.

History of the Award

History of the Award: The Foundation’s scholarships honor the historical significance of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and the events at Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Trustees and Members established the program to encourage dedicated young people to pursue government service and to sustain the effectiveness of public institutions. The award tradition emphasizes leadership, civic duty, and historical awareness among emerging public servants.

• Named to reflect the legacy of Washington Crossing.
• Emphasizes leadership and public service as core values.
• Supports students who intend to serve in government roles.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Competition is open to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and who plan careers in local, state, or federal government service. All awards are generally for one year, except where specifically noted (for example, the West Coast Laura Daniel Brown Scholarship may be awarded for four years under certain conditions). Applicants must complete their final year of high school in 2027 and meet any residency preferences for regional scholarships when applicable. The Foundation evaluates candidates on demonstrated commitment to public service and academic preparation.

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a high school senior completing final year in 2027.
• Aimed at students planning careers in government service.
• Some regional scholarships have state or residency preferences.

Application Requirements

Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a one-page essay explaining their intent to pursue a career in government service and any inspiration drawn from George Washington’s leadership. The essay must be accompanied by a recommendation from the high school principal or guidance counselor, transcripts, national testing scores, and any other supporting materials the applicant wishes to include. The application packet also requires three copies of a double-spaced cover page with specified biographical and school information. Follow the Official Rules for formatting and content to ensure the application is complete and eligible for review.

• One-page essay and principal or counselor recommendation are required.
• Include transcripts, test scores, and any supporting documentation.
• Three copies of a double-spaced cover page with the requested fields must be included.

Regional Scholarships

In addition to national awards, the Foundation offers several regional scholarships that give preference based on state or residency. Applicants should indicate on the application if they wish to be considered for regional awards; eligibility varies by scholarship and may include residency or enrollment commitments. The Foundation evaluates regional applicants alongside national candidates but applies the stated preferences when awarding those funds.

• West Coast Laura Daniel Brown Scholarship (residents of AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
• Charlie Kirk Memorial Scholarship (preference for Utah residents or students committing to attend a Utah school)
• Pennsylvania Scholarship; L. John Hutton (Indiana preference); Charles E. Tweedy (Alabama preference); Eichelberger Southern Maryland Scholarship

Awards, Ceremony, and Recipient Obligations

Award Value: The Foundation awards a variety of scholarships each year; amounts and durations vary by award and are conditioned on the recipient meeting the requirements of the chosen college. Winners who accept scholarships must attend the Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Luncheon to receive their award; winners’ travel, food, and housing for the weekend in Pennsylvania are paid by the Foundation. The West Coast Laura Daniel Brown Scholarship is eligible for multi-year renewal under certain conditions, while most other awards are for one year. Students planning to attend military academies or who have full four‑year tuition awards remain eligible for Foundation awards.

• Scholarship amounts and durations vary; most are one-year awards.
• Some scholarships (e.g., West Coast Laura Daniel Brown) may be renewable for four years under conditions.
• Winners’ travel, lodging, and meals for the awards weekend are covered; attendance at the ceremony is required to receive the award.

Timeline and Submission

Application Timeline: To be considered, applications must be postmarked no later than the Foundation’s January deadline; applicants should consult the Official Rules for the exact date. The Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2027, beginning at 11:00 am at the Washington Crossing Inn adjacent to Washington Crossing Historic Park. The Foundation strongly recommends sending applications by Priority Mail due to prior delivery delays. Contact the Foundation if you have questions about deadlines or required materials.

• Applications must be postmarked by the January deadline (see Official Rules for the exact date).
• Awards ceremony: April 24, 2027, 11:00 am at the Washington Crossing Inn.
• Send applications by Priority Mail if possible to avoid delivery delays.

Resources

Resources: The Foundation’s website contains the Official Rules, program requirements, procedures, and a downloadable version of the complete program information. Applicants should review these resources carefully to ensure compliance with submission instructions and to confirm any state-specific regional scholarship requirements. Photographs may be included with applications at the applicant’s discretion. For questions or clarification, applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation directly via the contact information provided on the website.

• Review the Official Rules and downloadable program materials before applying.
• Photographs may be submitted with applications if desired.
• Use the Foundation’s contact channels for questions about the application process.