Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute and GE Aerospace Launch New Workforce Readiness Scholarship

Program to complement existing GE-Reagan Scholarship Celebrating 15th Anniversary

Simi Valley, CA - December 6, 2025 - The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) and GE Aerospace announced today a new national scholarship designed to help students prepare for skilled technical careers that will support the future of America's aerospace and manufacturing workforce.

The GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship is a five-year program, investing over $1 million to support high school seniors pursuing technical and career-ready education pathways. According to a recent study by the Aerospace Industries Association, 76% of companies face difficulty finding engineering talent and 56% report shortages in skilled manufacturing.

"The future of flight and our national security depend on a strong, skilled workforce," said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and CEO, GE Aerospace. "Today's scholarship announcement is a fitting celebration of our past connection to President Reagan and our commitment to investing in the next generation of manufacturing talent."

Scholarship awards will be available to students entering programs such as technical degrees, industry certifications, skilled-trade training, two-year degrees, and other workforce-aligned post-secondary programs. In recognition of GE Aerospace's longstanding support for the U.S. military, 25 percent of all scholarships will be reserved for students from military households.

"For 15 years, our partnership with GE Aerospace has helped promising young leaders pursue traditional four-year degrees," said Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. "This new scholarship expands that commitment in an important new direction-providing opportunity and access to students who choose to pursue skilled technical careers, reflecting President Reagan's belief that America's strength begins with the talents and potential of its people."

The scholarship will support students seeking certifications through vocational schools and help up to 20 individuals each year gain the skills needed to strengthen our defense industrial base and ensure America's leadership in manufacturing for decades to come.

The first application cycle will open in early spring 2026, with the first class of scholars selected later that spring.

The GE Aerospace-Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship builds on a long-standing partnership with the Reagan Foundation. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program created by GE in celebration of President Reagan's earlier work at the company, including his travels across the country with General Electric Theater, touting innovation at its facilities nationwide. This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who showcase similar leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship.

To learn more about this scholarship program, click here.

About the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles - individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students.

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan's life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions.

About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 49,000 commercial and 29,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.