Timeline
We have included a timeline below of both the application process and our selection process for the next group of Reagan Fellows.
Spring and Early Summer 2026
Consider applying for the Reagan Leadership Program
Review our website, check out Eureka College through a virtual or campus tour, and get in touch with the RLP Director at rlp@eureka.edu with any questions you have.
August, September, and October 2026
Submit Your Application
Start your application to be a Reagan Fellow by completing your application to Eureka College. Doing so will jointly submit your application to both the Reagan Leadership Program and to Eureka. Completed applications will require the attachment of your current unofficial high school transcripts. The application is available here.
TBD
Join us for a virtual Open House
This will be an opportunity for RLP and DLP eligible students to learn more about our academic programs. Faculty and students from programs in Humanities, Art, Music, and Science and Mathematics will be in attendance. They will showcase some of the opportunities available to students, will virtually tour campus spaces related to their programs, and will be available to answer questions.
October 2026
Submit Your RSVP for the Scholarship Competition
After being admitted to Eureka College, students eligible for the Reagan Leadership Program will receive an invitation to RSVP for our virtual competition in November. This invitation will arrive by email from the RLP Director, Dr. Kate Harlin. Completion of this short form will secure your competition spot.
November 2026
Complete and Submit Your Leadership Statement
After RSVPing for the scholarship competition, the RLP Director will send you a short prompt inviting you to reflect on your leadership experience. Submission of this statement will be required prior to your competition.
February 13, 2027
Competition
Our competition will be held on campus. This competition is open to all eligible Reagan Leadership Program applicants from outside of Illinois, Indiana, and select counties in Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. For more on eligibility, click here.
February – March 2027
Selection of Finalists
Following both the on-campus and virtual competitions, the RLP and DLP Directors, alongside other members of the Eureka College administration, will evaluate students’ interviews, leadership statements, and other materials. We will select between 10-20 finalists to interview for the available fellowship positions with the Reagan Leadership Program.
March 2027
Final Round Interviews
We will schedule Zoom interviews with all selected finalists in late November. Applicants not selected as finalists will be notified of their updated application standing at this time.
March 2027
Selection of Fellows
Following final round interviews, the RLP and DLP Directors, alongside other members of the Eureka College administration, will select four applicants to join the Reagan Leadership Program as Reagan Fellows beginning in Fall 2026. We will also select at least two alternates.
March – April 2027
Notification of Selection
We will notify all selected students of their appointment as Reagan Fellows by no later than December 8, 2025. Notification will be made via telephone. We will also call students selected as alternates. Finalists not selected for fellowships will be notified of their updated application standing at this time.
April 2027
Acceptance of Fellowship Offer
All students selected as Reagan Fellows will receive formal offer letters via email and mail. We request that you inform us of your decision to accept the offer by no later than January 12, 2026.
August 2027
Join the Reagan Leadership Program
Our new group of Reagan Fellows will join us for orientation and the start of the new academic year in August.
Please direct any questions about your application status to the Director of the Reagan Leadership Program, Dr. Kate Harlin. You may do so via email at rlp@eureka.edu or by phone at (309) 467-6679.