Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program

Application Deadline: January 6, 2027

Application Timeframe: Fall

Laidlaw scholar hands a clump of a soil to an Ecuadorian man.

The Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Program promotes ethical leadership and international research around the world—starting with the passionate leaders and learners found on campuses like Cornell.

With generous support for your leadership development, a summer abroad putting your skills into action, and research, this two-year cohort program for emerging leaders lays out a path for you to invest your skills, knowledge, and experience to make global change. Learn more about the program and its global reach on the Laidlaw Foundation website.

The Program

Research

Work on an internationally focused research project with the support of a faculty mentor and/or an experienced research team during your first summer. We'll help you find a project and a faculty mentor or you may propose your own!

Laidlaw scholars work together on a leadership activity while seated and looking through orange folders.

Leadership Training

Learn about your unique leadership strengths, further develop your skills through critical reflection, and explore character as the roots of leadership.

Students stand in a group in a mud puddle.

Leadership-in-Action

Work internationally on a hands-on, community-based project. You can develop your own leadership-in-action project, or we'll help you identify an international organization to work with. You'll learn from real-world leaders enacting change in their communities.

Networking

Meet like-minded scholars who are passionate about Laidlaw's shared values—ethical leadership, global perspective, and research with a real-world impact. The international network of Laidlaw scholars extends beyond Cornell.

Award

Summer 1: Up to $3,900 stipend while you conduct full-time research in Ithaca.

Summer 2: Up to $3,900 stipend for living expenses during your leadership-in-action experience, plus up to $1,950 stipend for international travel expenses.

Eligibility

First- and second-year students from any college or major may apply. You should have a strong academic background and must be able to commit to full participation in the program. U.S. citizenship is not required.

In order to be eligible for program funding, scholars must commit to all components of the program. Expectations are outlined below. If you have any questions about what full commitment to the program entails, please contact us at laidlaw.scholars@cornell.edu

What is expected of Laidlaw scholars?

Attend and fully participate in all leadership development activities/training/events, including spring and fall workshops.
Engage in faculty-mentored research on campus for six consecutive weeks during the first summer. Scholars are not permitted to hold other internships or full-time commitments during that time.
Engage in a community-engaged leadership project in an international setting for six consecutive weeks during the second summer.
Share your research and leadership project experiences with the Laidlaw community at the end of each summer.
Present your research and intercultural experience during the annual scholar showcase at Cornell each fall.
Represent Cornell at the North American Laidlaw conference during your first year in the program.
Share a reflective essay on your leadership development journey at the conclusion of the program.
Serve as a mentor to new scholars and as an ambassador of Cornell's Laidlaw program.
Be an active member of the Laidlaw Scholars Network while a scholar, and keep the central Laidlaw Program informed of career developments as an alum.

Scholar Stories

Hazel Ann Abdon measures the pH of soil samples.

Hazel Ann Abdon ‘29: Building Bridges Across Communities and Ideas

Aima Raza and fellow Laidlaw scholars on a boat in Ecuador.

Aima Raza ’27: Balancing Community and Independence

Trisha Bhujle ’26: Exploring Human-Wildlife Conflicts in East and Southern Africa

Jensen Njagi squats down next to colorful buckets.

Jensen Njagi '25: Inspired by a Cause to Turn Waste Into Value

Meet Our Current Laidlaw Scholars

How to Apply

Apply by January 6, 2027 using the link below. Students who are selected to become Laidlaw scholars are notified by March 1.

Documents to Submit with Your Application

Statement of Interest (2 page maximum, upload as PDF)
Research Application (apply to 3 faculty-proposed projects or submit an independent proposal)
Resume/CV (2 page maximum, upload as PDF)
At least one reference who can submit a letter of recommendation