Laidlaw Foundation Gift Expands Research and Leadership for Duke Students
Gift Establishes Laidlaw Scholars at the Hart Leadership Program Duke University has received a $1.125 million gift from the Laidlaw Foundation that will greatly…
Laidlaw Scholars Program
The Laidlaw Scholars Program is a 24-month leadership development program for students in their first and second years
What is the Laidlaw Scholars Program?
The Laidlaw Scholars Research and Leadership Program is a prestigious 24-month leadership development initiative designed to cultivate ethical leaders across various sectors and fields of interest. This program, supported by a generous gift from the Laidlaw Foundation, aims to equip Duke undergraduates in their first and second years with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. Undergraduate students in their first and second years of study at Duke are eligible to apply. Scholars commit to full participation in the program for two years.
Benefits of Participation
- Develop leadership skills through academic courses, community-based research, and experiential learning
- Receive full funding for two summers focused on research and leadership practice
- Access the Laidlaw Scholars Global Network, connecting with peers and faculty from top universities around the world
- Earn a certificate in ethical leadership from the Oxford Character Project
- Participate in retreats, conferences, and colloquiums that foster community-building and reflective learning with other Laidlaw Scholars, who become a community of practice for your lifelong leadership growth
The Laidlaw Experience
The Laidlaw Scholars Program at Duke includes several key components designed to provide a rich, immersive educational experience. Each cohort is comprised of 25 students, who develop close connections and a sense of community over their two years in the program.
Spring Gateway Course
The program begins with a spring gateway course on community-based research, ethical community engagement, and leadership. This course, taught be Dr. Hy Huynh, lays the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the upcoming summer experiences.
First Summer Experience
During the first summer, scholars engage in a funded six-week research experience. This can be completed through faculty-led, team-based projects either in North Carolina or abroad, or by participating in Duke-sponsored programs like Data+, Story+, Climate+, or a research-focused DukeEngage project. The emphasis is on collaborative research methods that address public questions and involve community engagement.
The Laidlaw Colloquium
During their sophomore year, scholars participate in the Laidlaw Colloquium, a four-part dinner series held during the academic year for continued learning and reflection on ethical leadership. This series fosters ongoing engagement and development in ethical leadership practices.
Second Summer Experience
In the second summer, scholars undertake a funded eight-week "leadership in practice" experience. This can be with existing Duke community partners or through partnerships organized by the Laidlaw Foundation. These experiences offer opportunities to apply leadership skills, in real-world settings, fostering practical learning and growth.
The Laidlaw Retreat
The Laidlaw retreat is an overnight, off-site gathering for Laidlaw Scholars. This retreat is designed for structured reflection, learning, and community-building, providing scholars with a dedicated time to bond and grow together.
Global Scholars Network
Laidlaw Scholars at Duke will have access to the global Laidlaw Scholars Network, connecting them with students and faculty from 19 top universities across the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Hong Kong. This network fosters international collaboration and engagement, broadening the scope of the program's impact and providing unique opportunities for global learning and leadership development. Each fall, Duke Laidlaw Scholars attend a conference with Laidlaw Scholars from other universities, building connections and community for lifelong leadership.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- The student's understanding of the Hart Leadership Program and Laidlaw values
- The student's interest in and potential for leadership, both formal and informal, in the future
- The student's reflections on ideas of community and citizenship in both a global and local context
- The student's commitment to ethical leadership
- The student's enthusiasm for being an active member of the Laidlaw community and to full program participation for two years
- The student's preparation for a team-based, community-engaged research project, including their ability to collaborate with diverse peers and demonstrate cultural, intellectual, and personal humility
- The student's readiness for experiential education, including their willingness to be fully present for the funded student experiences and to engage in the inner work of leadership through reflection
- The student's academic and disciplinary record
Laidlaw Support Team
Hy V. Huynh
Hart Fellowship Research Advisor; Assistant Professor of the Practice, Global Health & Public Policy