Mission

For the past 40 years, the Foundation has supported scholarships to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the potential to become the nation’s next generation of science, engineering, and mathematics research leaders, helping to ensure the nation’s defense and global economic competitiveness. The Foundation has awarded over 11,000 scholarships. Among the recipients, 70% have gone on to obtain PhD or MD/PhD degrees, while an additional 8% have received professional degrees. While many factors unquestionably come into play, the Foundation believes that early engagement in research and recognition of students’ research accomplishments are crucial to achieving these successful outcomes.

Because early research engagement plays an important role in shaping a student’s career path, the Foundation is excited to begin offering paid summer internships to students who will have completed their freshman or sophomore year of college by the summer of 2027. Our program aims to bring together participants from a variety of backgrounds and varying skill levels. To support this initiative, the Goldwater Foundation is seeking mentors who understand the importance of early-career development.

Black and white photo of a young Barry Goldwater in a military uniform, with text about his attendance at Staunton Military Academy in Virginia, where he became an outstanding cadet and student athlete.

Who was Barry Goldwater?

Black and white image of Barry Goldwater in a military uniform, smiling and looking off to the side. Accompanying text states he served 37 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and retired as a Major General.
Black and white photo of a Barry Goldwater in cowboy attire riding a horse, with a crowd of people in the backgroun with a caption about Barry Goldwater joining Normal Nevills on a 42 day trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Two men shaking hands outdoors, with a caption about Barry Goldwater challenging Ernest McFarland in 1952 and running for President in 1964.

Barry M Goldwater (1909-1998)

Aviator. Athlete. Adventurer. Author. Military Officer. Businessman. Ham Operator. Photographer. Politician.

Barry M. Goldwater was born in Phoenix, Arizona January 1, 1909. He attended grade school in Phoenix and at age 13, succeeded in setting up the first commercial radio transmitter in Arizona, KFDA – the 36th station licensed in the U.S. He attended high school at Staunton Military Academy in Virginia where he became an outstanding cadet and student athlete. He played football, ran track, and was captain of the record-setting swim team. After graduation, he enrolled at the University of Arizona. His academic career was cut short in 1929 by his father’s death whereupon he entered the family business, Goldwater’s Department Store. Starting as a junior clerk, Barry progressed to become President and eventually Chairman of the Board – a position he held until 1953.

He married Margaret (Peggy) Johnson of Muncie, Indiana in 1934. They had four children, Joanne, Barry Jr., Michael, and Margaret. Peggy died in 1985. In 1992, he married Susan Wechlser.

In 1940, he joined the Norman Nevills on a 42-day trip down the Green and Colorado Rivers and became the 71st person to travel from the headwaters of the Colorado to Lake Mead. His film, photographs, slides and lecture “Shooting the Rapids” took him to venues throughout Arizona. He drew large audiences, thus setting the stage for future political campaigns. His award-winning photography was exhibited worldwide and won him membership in the prestigious Royal Photographic Society.

Barry Goldwater’s military career spanned 37 years. He volunteered for active duty in 1942 but was rejected due to his age and previous athletic injuries. He persisted and eventually was assigned to Yuma, Arizona where he was a gunnery instructor and perfected a technique that increased target accuracy. He later became one of 10 pilots to fly P-47 Thunderbolts across the North Atlantic to Europe. He retired as a Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. By the end of his career, he logged 15,000 hours of flight time, flew over 250 aircraft, and received numerous awards, medals, and commendations.

He launched his political career in 1949 on a Republican reform platform and won a seat on the Phoenix City Council. In 1952, Barry Goldwater challenged the incumbent Ernest McFarland and won a seat in the U.S. Senate. He served two terms then ran for President against Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Although defeated, Goldwater emerged as a political icon for the conservative movement and the Republican Party. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1968 and served until his retirement in 1986. He served on the Armed Forces, Intelligence, Indian Affairs, and the Commerce, Science and Transportation committees. These reflect his lifelong interests in aviation, amateur radio, technology, defense, national security, and Native American issues.

On May 29, 1998, Barry M. Goldwater died at home from complications of a stroke. His ashes were later scattered along the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon- a place much loved and visited by Arizona’s favorite son.