The Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholarship Programme
Two students review their peers’ projects at the 2023 Laidlaw Scholars Celebration.
About the Program
In partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, the Laidlaw Scholars Program at Georgetown University offers undergraduate students opportunities to grow into their potential as confident, ethical leaders. Through independent research, hands-on leadership training, and global experiences, Scholars gain the tools, experience, and mindset to become a leader who’s curious, capable, and committed to making a positive impact
The Laidlaw Foundation invests in and empowers Scholars to learn through:
- Building leadership skills that last
- Diving deep into research on a topic you care about
- Understanding global challenges through immersive experiences
- Lifting up diverse voices and empowering future changemakers
- Turning knowledge into action in the real world
Program Elements
- Research Summer – Summer 1
- The Research Summer marks the first stage of the program with a 6-week summer experience. Scholars develop key skills like critical thinking, time management, and academic writing while exploring a substantive, meaningful research topic.
- Each Scholar conducts 6-week long research projects with support from a faculty mentor. Students may propose an independent project or apply to work with a Georgetown faculty member.
- By mid-August, each Scholar produces an academic research poster and 2000 – 3000 word research essay posted to the Laidlaw Scholars Network.
- Scholars take part in weekly workshops focused on furthering their research development, including publishing and presenting research projects.
- Scholars receive a $4500 stipend intended to support the project and the student while undertaking the project.
- Scholars are encouraged to live on campus in program-provided housing during the research summer to facilitate a cohort-style experience.
- Leadership Development – Academic Year following Summer 1
- Following the Research Summer, Scholars take part in a yearlong series of leadership development opportunities. Through this series, Scholars deepen their development as principled, globally minded leaders through a blend of experiential learning, reflection, and ethical leadership training:
- Bi-monthly leadership development workshops and seminars facilitated by Georgetown University faculty and staff
- 6 monthly ethical leadership workshops designed and facilitated through the Oxford Character Project
- Attend the annual Laidlaw Scholars Conference, hosted by fellow Laidlaw Program partner universities.
- Following the Research Summer, Scholars take part in a yearlong series of leadership development opportunities. Through this series, Scholars deepen their development as principled, globally minded leaders through a blend of experiential learning, reflection, and ethical leadership training:
- Leadership-in-Action Summer – Summer 2
- The Leadership-in-Action Summer is where you put your leadership skills to work in a real-world setting. Leadership-in-Action projects focus on learning to lead with impact, adaptability, and a sense of social responsibility. Scholars work with nonprofits, social enterprises, or community groups to address timely, complex issues. Projects often take place outside of the United States, giving students the chance to learn to lead in new and challenging situations, understand different cultures, and make a difference while learning from others.
- Projects must have a defined objective that strives to create meaningful and ethical impact in partnership with local communities. Students may develop their own project or apply to work with a partner program through the Laidlaw Foundation.
- Scholars receive a $4500 stipend to support themselves and their project. Scholars may apply for additional funding provided on a sliding scale. Funds must be used during the 6-week project timeline.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be current first year or sophomore students at Georgetown from any major.
- The Laidlaw Scholars Program seeks students eager to pursue meaningful research and develop their leadership skills. Prior research experience is not required!
- Applicants must have an active Georgetown Supplier ID at the time of application.
- If you already have a Supplier ID, confirm it is active via the Office of the Chief Financial Officer website. If the previous Supplier ID is inactive, you must reapply for a new ID.
- Note: Summer research grant awards administered by the Center for Research & Fellowships, including the Laidlaw Scholars summer research, cannot be used for academic course credit.
Information Sessions and Application Workshops
Learn more about the Laidlaw Scholars Program, advising opportunities, and how to strengthen your application materials. All sessions are hybrid—attend in person on Georgetown’s main campus or via Zoom. Links will be sent 24 hours before each session.