Scholarships and Awards

 The applications for the academic year 2025-2026 will open in November 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 2025-2026 academic year applicants must:

• Be classified as sophomore, junior, or senior during the 2025-2026 academic year;
• Be registered for 12 or more credit hours during the fall 2025 semester and the spring 2026 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.

Application deadline is Friday January 10th at 5:00pm EST, References Deadline is Friday January 17th at 5:00pm EST.

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 2025;
• 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.

Application deadline is Monday January 13th at 5:00pm EST.