The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation has announced the launch of the 2012 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program in collaboration with GE. The program will select up to 20 successful applicants to receive a $10,000 scholarship which could extend for an additional three years up to $40,000 per recipient, says a press release.

“Ronald Reagan believed in educating and inspiring the future leaders of tomorrow,” said John Heubusch, executive director, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

“The GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program enables us to continue this tradition and keep his spirit alive among the youth of today.”

Qualified applicants will be evaluated on:

Leadership – Scholars who pursue leadership roles that have a positive impact in communities and showcase the value of lifelong learning

Drive – Scholars who are firm believers “that our best days are ahead,” have the conviction, ambition, discipline and courage to make their dreams reality.

Integrity – Rooted in values and ethics, scholars must possess the unique combination of integrity, dependability and humility that defined President Reagan’s leadership.

Citizenship – Scholars must be driven by a sense of civic commitment and actively engage in their communities to affect positive change.

The GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program aims to provide up to 200 four-year college scholarships over the next decade. Scholarships will be applied to student tuition, room, and board while the recipient is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.

GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said:

“We are proud to have Ronald Reagan as a part of our leadership tradition. His belief in innovation and technology is a great example for tomorrow’s leaders. We believe that the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholars will continue President Reagan’s legacy.”

GE is the presenting sponsor of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, celebrating the President’s 100th birthday on February 6, 2011.  GE has donated $15 million and $5 million of that is committed to establish this 10-year national college scholarship program.

Applicants must be nominated by a community leader, such as a high school principal, elected official or nonprofit executive, may apply online between November 14, 2011 and February 17, 2012.