- RGRD Scholarship Overview
- Submissions
- Event Schedule
- Travel Info
- FAQs
The RG Research & Development (RGRD) Scholarship Competition is designed to find students who will exercise their innovative creativity at LETU from orientation through graduation and beyond. This event brings together entrepreneurial and out-of-the-box thinkers from all over to LeTourneau University's Longview campus for a time of fun and competition.
The requirements to be invited to the RGRD Scholarship Competition are:
- Acceptance to LeTourneau University
- Demonstrable engagement with a local church
- Completed scholarship application, including a written business proposal, "elevator pitch" video, and resumé
Every year, students come and compete for this prestigious RGRD Scholarship. The value of the RGRD Scholarship is more than $125,000 over four years. The competition is comprised of a 500-word-or-less proposal for an innovative business, 1-minute "elevator pitch" video for the proposed business, resumé, and in-person interview/presentation.
Students must be present to compete.
Proposal, Resumé, & Video Submissions
Proposal: Before the competition, you must submit a written proposal for an innovative business idea not to exceed 500 words.
Pitch Video: In addition, you will be required to upload a 1-minute or shorter "elevator pitch" to develop interest in your proposed business. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo (or something similar) and paste the link into the submission form.
Resumé: You must also submit a resumé showing your work experience, volunteer/co-curricular experience, entrepreneurial experience, and church involvement.
December 1, 2025: Proposal, pitch video, and resumé submissions deadline (Round 1)
December 19, 2025: Round 1 result notifications sent
February 6-7, 2026: RGRD Scholarship Competition Weekend (Round 2)
Early March: Round 2 competitors notified of final RGRD Scholarship Competition results
If you are coming by yourself and you make flight arrangements, plan to fly into East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) in Longview, Texas.
We are only able to provide transportation to and from East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) for students traveling by themselves on Thursday through Sunday.
You may also travel to Longview by bus or train. We have pick-up service from the Longview Amtrak Station as well as the Greyhound Bus Station. Students can be picked up anytime on Friday. We will also provide transportation for students to the airport terminal, train and bus stations.
Please try to schedule your return flight on Saturday afternoon to allow plenty of time to complete the morning's activities and arrive at your designated airport. We are not able to provide transportation for parents to/from airports, campus, or hotels.
When is the RG Research & Development Competition?
The RGRD Scholarship Competition will be in 2 rounds. In Round 1, students will submit their business proposal, pitch video, and resumé in order to be considered for Round 2. Round 2 will be comprised of the up to 10 finalists who will join us on campus for the RGRD Scholarship Competition Weekend event, which will take place on February 6-7, 2026.
When do I need to arrive on Friday?
All students are required to check in by 12:00pm on Friday, February 6.
What if I need to come in on Thursday?
If a student is traveling alone and a LeTourneau representative picks them up from the Gregg County Airport (GGG), bus station, or Amtrak, LeTourneau will house the student on campus Thursday and Friday evening. If a student is coming with a parent and arrive on Thursday, the student will need to stay with their parent at the hotel for the night.
Does it cost anything to come and compete?
LeTourneau does not charge students a fee to compete in the RGRD Scholarship Competition. Once on campus, meals and lodging are free for the competing students. Parents should expect to pay for a hotel if they choose to attend with their student. Some area hotels offer LeTourneau discounts for parents.
Do I have to come to Longview to compete?
Yes. Due to the nature of the competition, students are required to be on campus for the event.
Can my parents come with me?
Absolutely. We highly encourage parents to come and learn more about LeTourneau.
How should I dress for the interview?
Student competitors should wear business professional attire. Here are the minimums:
Men - a button down shirt, tie and appropriate pants to match.
Women - dress pants or skirt and an appropriate top to match.
What do I need to bring to campus with me?
Aside from the professional attire mentioned above, pack clothes that are fitting of a scholarship competition. If you are staying on campus, you will need to bring toiletries and bedding with you.
How many scholarships are awarded?
There is one RGRD scholarship awarded per year.
Exactly how much is the RGRD Scholarship worth?
The RGRD Scholarship covers full tuition for 4 years, including tuition increases.
When will I know if I have been awarded the scholarship?
All students will be notified of their results within 4 weeks following the competition weekend.
What do I do if I win?
Celebrate! The RGRD Scholarship contract will be sent to you with specific details.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Call Dr. Alan Clipperton, RGRD Executive Director and Vice President for Global Initiatives and Industry Engagement, at 903-233-3171 or email at AlanClipperton@letu.edu.
