Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program
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 research, leadership development, and a summer abroad putting your skills into action, this 21-month program for emerging leaders lays out a path for you to invest your skills, knowledge, and experience to help others. As a Laidlaw scholar, your talent and motivation are cultivated through international experiences, leadership training and research, and networking with like-minded peers.
Interested in joining our next cohort of scholars? Join us for an upcoming information session.
The Program's Key Components
Research
You will spend a summer as a Laidlaw scholar working on campus on an internationally-focused research project that is supervised by a faculty member or an experienced research team. Your work is supported by a weekly stipend. Research may be:
- A faculty project: Many faculty members are already looking for undergraduate research assistants to join exciting projects across fields. Contact a Cornell faculty member from our list of projects to see if you would be a good fit, or identify research projects and faculty from across campus.
- An individual project: Choose your own project. You may identify a research project that interests you, and select a faculty mentor to work with one-on-one. Please contact the Laidlaw program coordinator for more details.
Leadership Training
Leadership training is an essential component of the program that continues throughout your time as a Laidlaw scholar. You’ll learn core leadership values and skills that include how to be a global citizen, prioritize collective action and critical reflection, and meaningfully engage with your community.
Leadership-in-Action Experience
Spend your summer abroad, putting your knowledge to use in the real world. You will be able to choose from a variety of options:
- Central leadership program: A leadership-intensive, centrally organized program that you select from Laidlaw's approved list. You will experience a new and challenging environment outside of the U.S. alongside Laidlaw scholars from other universities. Cornell Laidlaw scholars have worked on community health promotion in Fiji, human rights issues in Zambia, climate change in Mexico, and conservation education in Uganda.
- Community-engaged leadership: A placement with a nonprofit, community organization, or social enterprise that takes you outside of your comfort zone. In this placement, you may build on your research project, plan and implement strategy, and engage with others in leading meaningful change. Laidlaw scholars often participate in opportunities hosted by the Einaudi Center's regional and thematic programs.
- In-field application of research: An application of your research in the field that aims to create positive change while developing your leadership skills. In addition to being outside of your comfort zone, you will need to provide clearly defined objectives and impacts of your work which will be beneficial to society.
These skills are directly transferable to future work across disciplines, while also introducing you to different life experiences and expanding your perspective.
Networking
Over your two years in the program, you will get to know like-minded scholars who are passionate about Laidlaw's shared values. The international network of Laidlaw scholars extends beyond Cornell University to a global community that shares an online space for continued collaboration.
Award
Summer 1: Up to $3,900 stipend while you conduct full-time research.
Summer 2: Program fees or stipend while you engage in an international leadership-in-action experience. Additional support is available for travel or research-related expenses.
Eligibility
First- and second-year students from any college or major may apply. We are looking for students who seek to be globally engaged citizens, ethical leaders, and internationally focused researchers. 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. These expectations and important upcoming dates are outlined below.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted by 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
- Resume/CV
- Copy of your passport. If you do not have one or if it will expire before January 2026, apply for a passport now.
- Personal leadership statement
- Transcript (can be unofficial)
- Two references who can submit letters of recommendation
Join us for an Information Session October 1 (in person), October 2 (virtual), or October 29 (at OADI).
Contact our Laidlaw coordinator with any questions.
Additional Information
Funding Type
- Scholarship
Role
- Student