Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has announced its largest cohort of 90 new scholars for the year 2024. This seventh cohort represents students from 30 countries who will be studying in 45 postgraduate programs across all seven Stanford graduate schools. The cohort includes citizens from Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Bulgaria, France, and Sri Lanka for the first time in the program’s history.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is a multidisciplinary, multicultural scholarship program for graduates of all seven schools at Stanford University. Scholars of the Knight-Hennessy program receive up to three years of financial support for their postgraduate studies at Stanford, as well as the opportunity to engage in activities that prepare them to become visionary, audacious, and collaborative leaders capable of addressing the complex problems of the modern world. Scholars are selected based on their ability to demonstrate independent thinking, purposeful leadership, and civic mindset.
“Each new cohort of scholars gives me even greater hope for the future,” said John L. Hennessy, President Emeritus of Stanford University and Director of the Shriram Family program at Knight-Hennessy Scholars. “Our world is facing increasingly complex challenges, which reaffirms the importance of our mission.”
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program develops new leaders who are committed to doing good and are prepared to lead meaningful change. The King Global Leadership program, a core component of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, offers a wide range of seminars, lectures, projects, and experiences that enrich scholars’ postgraduate education and help them achieve their leadership goals.
The 2024 cohort includes 47% of scholars who hold passports from countries other than the United States. Forty-nine percent of American scholars identify as individuals of color, and 11% have served in the US military. Scholars have obtained undergraduate degrees from 60 different institutions, including 12 American institutions. Twenty-two percent of scholars are the first in their families to attend college. The current seventh cohort increases the total number of scholars included in the program since its inaugural cohort in 2018 to 514.
“Each scholar brings a unique perspective to our growing community,” explained Tina Seelig, Executive Director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. “It is inspiring to see how they build connections and enrich each other’s knowledge across disciplines, cultures, and ideologies, contributing to their ability to address the world’s greatest challenges.”
Applications for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars cohort for the year 2025 will be open from June 1, 2024, to October 9, 2024. Prospective scholars can participate in informational meetings to learn more about the community, the leadership development program, and the admissions process. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has no quotas or restrictions based on region of origin, undergraduate institution, field of study, or student’s professional aspirations.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program was established in 2016 and is named after Phil Knight, MBA ’62, philanthropist and co-founder of Nike Inc., and John Hennessy, Chairman of Alphabet Inc. and President Emeritus of Stanford University (2000-2016). Knight-Hennessy Scholars is the largest fully endowed university-wide graduate scholarship program in the world. Learn more at kh.stanford.edu.
Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has announced its largest cohort of 90 new scholars for the year 2024. This seventh cohort includes students from 30 countries, representing a diverse range of nationalities. This expansion of the program is a testament to the increasing global reach and appeal of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program. It also highlights Stanford University’s commitment to attracting top talent from around the world.
The program offers up to three years of financial support for postgraduate studies at Stanford University. This level of funding allows scholars to focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of financial constraints. Additionally, the program provides scholars with opportunities to engage in activities that prepare them to become visionary, audacious, and collaborative leaders. This emphasis on leadership development sets the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program apart from other scholarship programs.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program aims to develop leaders who are committed to making a positive impact and driving meaningful change. The King Global Leadership program, an integral part of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, offers a wide range of enriching experiences, seminars, lectures, and projects that supplement scholars’ postgraduate education. This multifaceted approach equips scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of the modern world.
One notable aspect of the 2024 cohort is the increased diversity among the scholars. Forty-seven percent of the scholars hold passports from countries other than the United States, demonstrating the program’s global reach. Additionally, 49% of American scholars identify as individuals of color, showcasing the program’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
A key advantage of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is its open and inclusive admissions process. The program has no restrictions based on region of origin, undergraduate institution, field of study, or professional aspirations. This allows for a wide range of applicants to be considered, ensuring that the program attracts individuals with unique perspectives and experiences.
While the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program has seen tremendous success and growth since its establishment in 2016, there are some challenges and controversies associated with it. One challenge is the intense competition for a limited number of spots in the program. With a growing number of applicants each year, the selection process becomes more rigorous, making it increasingly difficult for aspiring scholars to secure a place in the cohort. Additionally, some critics argue that the program’s focus on leadership development may not adequately prioritize academic excellence, potentially overshadowing the primary purpose of pursuing higher education.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education. As the program attracts top talent from around the world, it will further enhance the reputation and global impact of Stanford University.
To learn more about the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and its impact, visit the official website: kh.stanford.edu. This website provides detailed information about the program’s mission, applications, and the experiences of past scholars.