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Einaudi Center for International Studies

Cornell University

Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program

Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application Timeframe: Fall
Jensen Njagi squats down next to colorful buckets.

Details

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 program for emerging leaders lays out a path for you to invest your skills, knowledge, and experience to help others. Learn more about the program and its global reach on the Laidlaw Foundation website(link is external).

The Program

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

Leadership Training

Learn core leadership values and skills, including how to be a global citizen, prioritize collective action and critical reflection, and meaningfully engage with your community. 

Laidlaw scholar uses a machete to cut a stick.

Leadership-in-Action

Spend a summer abroad gaining intercultural competency, learning from mentors in the field, and reflect on your role as a leader and researcher in creating a better world. 

Laidlaw scholars smile and shake hands.

Networking

Meet like-minded scholars who are passionate about Laidlaw's shared values. The international network of Laidlaw scholars(link is external) extends beyond Cornell University to a global community that shares an online space for continued collaboration.

Laidlaw scholar presents research poster at symposium

Research

Work on an internationally-focused research project with the support of a faculty mentor and/or an experienced research team during your second summer. We help you find a project and a faculty mentor!

Award

Summer 1: Program fees or stipend while you engage in an international leadership-in-action experience. Additional support is available for travel or research-related expenses.  

Summer 2: Up to $3,900 stipend while you conduct full-time research.

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. Upon acceptance, scholars will be required to sign a commitment form by March 14, 2025. These expectations and important upcoming dates are outlined below. If you have any questions about what full commitment to the program entails, please contact us at laidlaw.scholars@cornell.edu(link sends email) 

  1. Attend and fully participate in all leadership development activities/training/events.
  2. Engage in an immersive leadership experience abroad for six consecutive weeks during one summer.
  3. Engage in faculty-mentored research on campus for six consecutive weeks during another summer. Scholars are not permitted to hold other internships or full-time commitments during that time.
  4. Present your research and leadership experience during the annual scholar showcase each fall.
  5. Write a report or produce a short video on your overall learning and leadership outcomes at the conclusion of the second summer.
  6. Serve as a mentor to new scholars and as an ambassador of Cornell's Laidlaw program.
  7. Be an active member of the Laidlaw Scholars Network(link is external) while a scholar, and keep the central Laidlaw Program informed of career developments as an alum.

How to Apply

Applications are open! The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025 using the link below. Students who are selected to become Laidlaw scholars are notified by March 15.

Documents to Submit with Your Application

  • Short Answer Questions
  • Leadership in Action Reflection Question
  • Resume/CV (2 page maximum, upload as PDF)
  • Copy of your passport. If you do not have one or if it will expire before February 2026, apply for a passport now.
  • At least one reference who can submit a letter of recommendation

Important Dates

  • October: Information sessions
  • November: Applications open
  • January: Applications due
  • February: Applicant interviews
  • March: Decisions announced

Contact our Laidlaw coordinator(link sends email) with any questions. 

Apply

Additional Information

Funding Type

  • Scholarship

Role

  • Student