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 by Dr. Hy Huynh, lays the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the upcoming summer experiences.
First Summer Experience: The Research Summer
During the first summer, Scholars engage in a funded six-week research experience. Each Scholar applies to join a faculty-led, team-based, and community-engaged project in the United States or abroad. Options include select Duke +Programs and DukeEngage projects open to the wider Duke student body as well as projects at Laidlaw partner institutions and projects led by Hart-affiliated faculty that are open only to Laidlaw Scholars. The emphasis is on collaborative research methods that address public questions and involve community engagement.
The Laidlaw Colloquium
Returning to campus after the Research Summer, Scholars participate in the Laidlaw Colloquium, a multi-part dinner series held during the academic year for continued learning and reflection on ethical leadership. This series fosters ongoing cohort connections and development in ethical leadership practice. Across the academic year, Scholars also earn a certificate in ethical leadership from the Oxford Character Project, building an intentional practice of character development alongside their Scholar peers at other institutions.
Second Summer Experience: The Leadership-in-Action Summer
In the second summer, Scholars undertake a funded six-week "Leadership-in-Action" experience. This can be with existing Duke community partners, partnerships cultivated independently by Scholars, or through partnerships organized by the Laidlaw Foundation. These experiences offer opportunities for Scholars to challenge and refine their leadership skills and capacities while working alongside local communities to contribute to meaningful change, fostering practical learning and growth.
The Laidlaw Fall Retreat
The Laidlaw Fall Retreat is an annual off-site gathering for Scholars returning from their summer experiences. 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 have access to the global Laidlaw Scholars Network, connecting them with students and faculty from 22 top universities across the US, UK, EU, Canada, UAE, 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.
International Experience
Through the summer experiences and opportunities to connect with peers around the world, Laidlaw Scholars are invited to challenge their perspectives and deepen their sense of global citizenship. Scholars complete one of the summer experiences outside of their home country.
