Who Can Apply: The mission of the Scholarship Program is to support exceptional students as they begin their college careers by recognizing outstanding academic achievement and helping reduce the financial barriers to higher education. The Dan Calugar Foundation awards ten Academic Achievement Merit Scholarships each year to incoming college freshmen. Beginning with the 2027 fall term, each scholarship will provide $15,000 to be applied toward tuition at the student’s chosen college or university. The program aims to recognize academic excellence, motivation, and well‑defined educational and career goals.
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- Applicants must be US Citizens.
- A minimum score of 1500 on the SAT exam or a score of 35 or higher on the ACT is required. “Super scores” (combining multiple test sittings) are not accepted. Please submit a copy of your exam score with your scholarship application.
- The $15,000 scholarship check will be paid directly to the U.S. college or university at which the applicant enrolls full‑time, with a designation that the funds be applied toward tuition.
- Historically, all ten scholarships have been awarded by the end of September, so qualified applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.
Submission:
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- A statement of your career objectives, goals, and how your college experiences will contribute to their attainment.
- A well-reasoned response to the following topic: From 1950 to 2007, the annual average ratio of federal debt to GDP was 45%, and that ratio was 45% in 2007 as well. In August of 2026, the US federal debt was approximately 125% of GDP. Is the current level of US federal debt to GDP, and the trend for that ratio to increase from 2007 forward, a problem that needs to be addressed? If so, how would you recommend that it be addressed? If the current ratio and the trend over the past 15 years is not a problem, what level would you consider problematic and why? Elon Musk has suggested that only a massive, sustained increase in U.S. productivity—driven by AI and robotics—can grow GDP fast enough to make the national debt manageable. Do you feel Elon’s thesis on this point is valid?
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Amount: $15,000
Learn More: https://dancalugarfoundation.org/
