Luce Scholars Program

The University of Minnesota is one of 65 colleges and universities invited to participate in the Luce Scholars Program. Applications are available in July from the Graduate School Fellowship Office, University of Minnesota, 314 Johnston Hall, 101 Pleasant St. S.E., (612) 625-7579. Deadline: November 3, 2008.

Background:

Eighteen young Americans of outstanding promise and high leadership ability are sent each year to Asia for professional apprenticeships under the guidance of leading Asians. Internships and job placements are arranged for each Scholar on the basis of individual career interests, experience, training, and general background. (No academic credit is involved.) The year-long program begins in August.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be a U.S. citizens who will not yet have reached their thirtieth birthday by September 1 of the year they enter the program. They must have earned at least a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent prior to their participation in the program. They may be currently enrolled students in any college at the University of Minnesota, recent graduates, or junior faculty. Applicants who have a major in Asian studies, or who have already had significant exposure to Asia, are ineligible.

Application:

• Application Form.
• Personal statement no more than a 1,000 words outlining (a) long-range career interests, how they developed, and plans for pursuing them in the future; and (b) reasons for applying to the Luce Scholars Program.
• Academic Transcripts. Official transcripts of all college and graduate work.
• Two Recent Passport Photographs (black and white preferred).
• Four Letters of Recommendation. Letters should be typewritten and represent a range of academic, professional, and personal references.
• Address Information Card.

Language Criteria

Since the program is geared to the non-specialist, knowledge of an Asian language is not a criterion for selection. It is assumed that all Scholars will study the appropriate language prior to their departure. Special funds may be made available for this purpose.

Stipend and Allowance

Luce Scholars receive a significant basic stipend and, if necessary, separate cost-of-living or housing allowances. Economy class air transportation and medical insurance are also covered.

Selection Criteria:

Selection criteria are based on (1) a record of outstanding academic achievement, (2) evidence of leadership, both within a chosen profession and as a member of the broader American community, (3) a clearly defined career interest in a specific field.

Application Procedure:

Campus interviews are conducted during the month of November. The University of Minnesota may nominate two candidates for the 2009-2010 competition. Those who are nominated are screened by the Luce Foundation during December and January. A personal interview is conducted with each nominee.

Early in February, approximately forty-five finalists are selected from the total pool of nominees. They are invited to appear, at Foundation expense, before one of three regional selection committees that meet in late February and early March. Each of these committees interview fifteen finalists: each selects six Luce Scholars. All eighteen are named by mid-March.

Henry Luce Foundation Web Site