Scholarships and Awards

The scholarship and award applications are now closed for 2024-2025. The applications for the academic year 2025-2026 will open in October 2024.

For questions or concerns, please contact leadership@purdue.edu.

Class of 1937 Scholarship

The Class of 1937 Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated a combination of outstanding leadership, character, and scholarship while attending Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.

To be eligible to receive the award for the 2024-2025 academic year applicants must:

• Be classified as sophomore, junior, or senior during the 2024-2025 academic year;
• Be registered for 12 or more credit hours during the fall 2024 semester and the spring 2025 semester;
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher;
• Be in good academic and social standing with the university;
• Show evidence of significant leadership potential and ability;
• Hold United States citizenship.

Applicants are required to provide:

• A list of their significant leadership involvement while attending Purdue;
• Answers to a series of prompts intended to help them reflect on the leadership accomplishments and future potential.

Charles O. McGaughey Leadership Award

The Charles O. McGaughey Leadership Award was established by 1939 Purdue graduate, Charles O. McGaughey, to recognize Purdue undergraduate students who have shown outstanding leadership abilities and have demonstrated “an appreciation for basic American values,” including: liberty, the democratic form of government, and a commitment to community service and service to the university.

To be eligible students must:

• Be an undergraduate student currently registered at Purdue’s West Lafayette campus;
• Have completed at least two years of full-time undergraduate studies by the end of spring semester 2024;
• Have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Have demonstrated leadership abilities and an appreciation of basic American values as evidenced by a record of achievement through  community service and service to the university;
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the values of liberty, the democratic form of government, and an appreciation of the importance of respect for others and for the diversity of the United States;
• Have no evidence of addiction to drugs or alcohol;
• Have no criminal record; and
• Be in good academic and social standing with the university.