The Union League Scholarship is a transformative civic education and leadership development program for exceptional high school students committed to engaged citizenship. Selected candidates will receive $50,000 in financial assistance!
The Union League Scholarship is a multi-stage, multi-month process that engages students through immersive programs and exercises that will improve their leadership, civic understanding, public speaking, and character development.
Over several months, scholarship candidates will gain an in-depth understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as a lifelong commitment to civic engagement. At the conclusion of the selection process, six candidates will receive a $50,000 in financial assistance.
This program connects scholars to the Union League’s legacy of civic engagement dating back to 1862, when the League was founded to preserve the Union and uphold American democratic principles. Founding Forward, the nonprofit educational organization of the League, continues that commitment to civics through its work, including the Union League Scholarship program.
Eligible students will automatically receive an application link to apply for this scholarship program.
To qualify for the Union League Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
2026 Good Citizenship Award recipient & high school junior (class of 2027)
Commitment to civic engagement and leadership
Strong academic performance and intellectual curiosity
Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA/SAI)
Plan to attend accredited university or trade school
The selection process is a comprehensive 10-month journey with six stages. We encourage you to review the steps below and also visit our FAQ page.
2026 Good Citizenship Awardees will receive a link to apply to Part 1 of the Union League Scholarship program which is due on May 29, 2026. The initial application requests:
We are committed to ensuring that every qualified participant has the opportunity to take part in our programs. While there is no cost to apply or attend the subsequent stages, we understand students may have school, athletic, family, and/or work limitations. If any part of the scholarship application and its components present a challenge, students are encouraged to email [email protected] to connect with our team who is able to help.
All applicants who completed Part 1 of the scholarship program application will be required to attend one of two programs, held June 12-13 and June 26-27, on Founding Forward’s Valley Forge campus. There is no cost to attend this program, and all meals, lodging, and transportation to the campus will be covered.
The program will include a Valley Forge National Historical Park site visit, skills workshop, interview, and written essay session. Throughout the program, participants will receive ongoing feedback to support their growth.
Twenty finalists will be selected following the June 2026 programs. Over the subsequent ten months, the twenty individuals will continue participate in all of the following programs:
Of the twenty finalists, six individuals will be selected to receive the Union League Scholarship. The scholarship includes a minimum $50,000, which will be disbursed over four years, to help cover costs for an accredited university or trade school and participate in a comprehensive journey throughout their post-secondary education and beyond.
Students who complete the full finalist program (stage 3) but are not selected as one of the final six scholars will receive a $2,000 award in recognition of their exceptional commitment and participation.
The six Union League Scholarship recipients will attend a formal banquet at The Union League of Philadelphia to receive their scholarship award.
Over the course of the following four years (2027-2031), the six scholarship award recipients will continue developing their leadership skills, as well as their civic education knowledge, by continuing their engagement with Founding Forward and The Union League of Philadelphia.
To maintain their scholarship award, the recipients must:
Scholars must meet and maintain the above requirements, or it may result in suspension of funds. If final scholarships are having difficulty meeting the requirements, please email [email protected] as accommodations can be provided.
This scholarship program builds and empowers the leaders of tomorrow by helping students learn and remain engaged throughout their college career and beyond. In addition to receiving $50,000 in financial assistance (if selected), recipients will partake in thought-provoking sessions, grow their professional network, and add a host of skills to their resume.
We encourage individuals to review our FAQ page.
Founding Forward’s work and mission is made possible through voluntary contributions. We need your support to ensure a future rooted in liberty. Please join our efforts to uphold our democratic system of government with your tax-deductible contribution.
