1. Academics
  2. Presidential Fellows

Presidential Fellows

First-year applicants who demonstrated academic excellence and involvement throughout high school and applied to Washington College before December 1st may be invited to the four-year Presidential Fellows Program. Presidential Fellows receive an additional $4,000–$5,000 renewable annual merit scholarship and may be invited to interview for our full-tuition George Washington Signature Scholarship. Fellows can also access unique learning and exploration opportunities, priority course registration, possible additional scholarship dollars, and more. Presidential Fellows form a close-knit, focused community within the larger Washington College community.

Unique Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities

Top applicants will be considered for the Presidential Fellows program.

  • Presidential Fellows automatically receive an additional $4,000–$5,000 renewable annual merit scholarship. 
  • Presidential Fellows may be invited to interview for our full-tuition George Washington Signature Scholarship*. Five full-tuition scholarships—renewable annually—are awarded per incoming class.

*The George Washington Signature Scholarship replaces other merit offers.

  • Access priority course registration for your first two years.
  • Enjoy a fall kick-off mixer and an end-of-year social.
  • Be recognized with a Presidential Fellows cord at graduation.
  • Take part in faculty-led enrichment learning events during your first year. 
  • Attend programs designed to help you take advantage of essential experiences including internships, externships, post-graduate and career-oriented opportunities.

  • Participate in the annual Presidential Fellows Leadership Summit, a dynamic, three-day retreat where Fellows engage with peers and professionals through workshops, social networking, and applied leadership initiatives. The Summit culminates with students showcasing their projects to our president.  

  • Network and build your résumé with activities sponsored by the College’s chapters of Phi Beta Kappa, the Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows, and the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. These opportunities can help you qualify for distinguished national honors such as Fulbright Fellowships and Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, and Truman scholarships, as well as induction into the Washington College Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Of the 21 WC students inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 2026, about 90% were Presidential Fellows.

Presidential Fellows 2027

The sweeping principle behind our Presidential Fellows Program: "Leadership is inquiry that drives action."  

 

Washington College Graduation

Four-year leadership program

The Presidential Fellows Program will facilitate your vision and planning for your unique leadership pathway during your time at Washington College and beyond. From your very first semester to your senior year, you’ll collaborate with faculty, staff, and a diverse range of student organizations, but perhaps most importantly, with other Presidential Fellows. A vital portion of leadership skills development will happen student-to-student.  By your senior year, you’ll assist a new cohort of Presidential Fellows to learn, lead, and grow.