Luce Scholars

Established in 1974, the Luce Scholars Program is a competitive leadership development fellowship that provides emerging leaders with immersive professional experiences in Asia. Through this yearlong immersion, the Program equips scholars with knowledge and skills to address global leadership challenges and build a more interconnected world.

The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for Luce Scholars each year, and welcomes applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields who would not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country where they are placed.

List

Eligibility

  • Class year: The program welcomes diverse candidates, including seniors, recent graduates, or young professionals under 32. For those older than 32, they also consider candidates who have received their bachelor’s degree within the past three years.
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Other eligibility guidelines:

  • Candidates who have spent a significant amount of time (an accumulated total of 18 weeks since beginning college) in one of the countries where Luce Scholars are placed are eligible to apply for the Luce to be placed in a country where they do not have significant experience
  • Candidates may have taken Asian language or Asia-focused courses or majored in Asian Studies. 

Applying & Guidance

Eligible applicants may submit applications directly to the Luce Scholars program. 

Follow the instructions for submitting an application and review application tips and resources in the Luce Scholars Application Toolkit (Davidson login required).

Schedule an Office of Fellowships advising appointment with Gaylena Merritt, Director of Fellowships, to discuss your candidacy.

Award

Davidson Luce Scholars

2007 - Dane A. Erickson '01 (China)

2006 - Elizabeth Marie Melchionna '02 (Thailand)

2001 - Jason Prince '99 (Japan)

1991 - Mark Sandy '87 (Japan)

1985 - Lillian Grace Woo '86 (Malaysia)

1981 - Robert F. Campany '81 (Taiwan)