MEM Scholars Program
Offered by Michael E. McGoldrick Foundation
About this scholarship
The MEM Scholars Program, created by the Michael E. McGoldrick Foundation, provides a four-year $100,000 scholarship to an outstanding high school senior from Colorado or Washington. Recipients receive $25,000 per year for qualified educational expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and a new laptop. A scholar may attend any accredited institution in the United States or abroad. Applicants must have lived in Colorado or Washington throughout both junior and senior year, earn at least a 3.5 weighted high school GPA, and present a minimum 28 ACT or 1200 SAT score. Financial eligibility is based on the federal return on which the applicant is claimed: combined family adjusted gross income must be $150,000 or less on the 2025 return, with $10,000 added to the limit for each additional dependent beyond the applicant. U.S. citizens and students who have started a documented process toward citizenship, legal status, or lawful presence may apply. Selection looks beyond scores to curiosity, human rights, truth and rule of law, arts and music, outdoor appreciation, and conservation. The 2026 Round 1 portal opens September 1 and closes October 15. Semifinalists complete Round 2 by December 15, followed by winter interviews. Renewal requires semester transcripts, progress toward graduation within four years, a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA, twice-yearly communication, and compliance with the Scholars Code of Conduct.
Eligibility
- Be a graduating high school senior
- Have lived in Colorado or Washington for the full junior and senior years of high school
- Have at least a 3.5 weighted high school GPA
- Earn at least a 28 ACT or 1200 SAT score
- Meet the family adjusted-gross-income limit using the applicable federal tax return
- Be a U.S. citizen or provide evidence of an in-process citizenship, legal-status, or lawful-presence case
- Plan to attend an accredited undergraduate institution in the United States or abroad
- For renewal, maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and remain on track to graduate within four academic years