$100,000 to Build
The Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship backs UATX-bound founders who combine technical skills with dedication to American principles.
Some of America’s greatest success stories started with little more than raw talent, determination, and a vision to improve the world. Palmer Luckey built the first Oculus prototype in his parents’ garage at age 16, eventually selling the company to Facebook and later transforming defense tech through Anduril. Patrick Collison started Stripe with his brother when he was 22, revolutionizing how businesses process payments online. Michael Dell assembled PCs in his dorm before building Dell Technologies into a $50 billion tech powerhouse.
UATX is seeking the next generation of great builders and founders through its Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship. This $100,000 award—provided over four years of undergraduate study—identifies exceptional students who combine technical expertise with civic purpose.
Build Scholars are mentored by luminaries in the UATX Talent Network, including Joe Lonsdale (𝕏)(podcast) co-founder of Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov, and 8VC, and Alex Magaro, who helped scale Meritage Group into one of the world's leading investment firms.
Both mentors understand firsthand how the right guidance can accelerate a career, and they’re committed to working closely with scholars to identify major challenges facing society, identify and develop founders’ unique strengths, and build the team, networks, and skills necessary for entrepreneurial success.
The ideal Build Scholar excels academically, particularly in STEM fields, strongly values American principles of freedom, merit, and innovation, and is dedicated to solving meaningful problems that strengthen our nation's future.
Build Scholarships are awarded on top of the Founders Scholarship, which covers undergraduate tuition for each member of the Class of 2029.
If you're ready to build something that matters, apply by February 15 and waive your application fee by using the code: BUILD2025
“Let us assuage any doubts: we are looking for students who dream big and take risks in whichever field they pursue. UATX students must be willing to press onward toward the goal of building alongside us. The University is a project we are constructing together.” Read the challenge from our admissions department to build with us, and hear from students who heeded the call below:
