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Einaudi Center for International Studies

Cornell University

Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program

Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
Application Timeframe: Fall
Laidlaw scholar hands a clump of a soil to an Ecuadorian man.

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 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

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 prepare to encounter difference from a creative and mindful place.

Laidlaw scholar uses a machete to cut a stick.

Leadership-in-Action

Spend a summer abroad in Ecuador working in partnership with agrarian, Indigenous, and activist communities on projects addressing education, Indigenous and epistemic justice, women's empowerment, environmental justice, food security, social entrepreneurship, leadership, and community development.

Laidlaw scholars smile and shake hands.

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 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 and airfare for your international leadership-in-action experience are covered.  

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

Jensen Njagi squats down next to colorful buckets.
Jensen Njagi '25: Inspired by a Cause to Turn Waste Into Value

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. 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 

What is expected of Laidlaw scholars?

  1. Attend and fully participate in all leadership development activities/training/events, including spring and fall workshops.
  2. Engage in an immersive cohort-based leadership experience abroad in Ecuador for six consecutive weeks during the first summer.
  3. Engage in faculty-mentored research on campus for six consecutive weeks during the second summer. Scholars are not permitted to hold other internships or full-time commitments during that time.
  4. Present your research and intercultural experience during the annual scholar showcase each fall.
  5. Represent Cornell at the North American Laidlaw conference during your first year in the program.
  6. Write a reflective essay on your leadership development journey at the conclusion of the first summer.
  7. Serve as a mentor to new scholars and as an ambassador of Cornell's Laidlaw program.
  8. 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.

How to Apply

The deadline to apply is January 12, 2026 using the link below. Students who are selected to become Laidlaw scholars are notified by March 1. We highly recommend attending a Q+A Webinar with our partner in Ecuador, Pachaysana Foundation, to learn more about the Leadership-in-Action summer experience. 

Wednesday, November 5, at 12pm Eastern

Thursday, November 6, at 5pm Eastern

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 2027, apply for a passport now.
  • At least one reference who can submit a letter of recommendation

Important Dates

  • October: Applications open
    Join us for an information session
  • January: Applications due
  • February: Applicant interviews
  • March: Decisions announced
  • March 2026 - April 2028: Laidlaw Leadership and Research Program 2026 cohort

Contact our Laidlaw coordinator with any questions. 

 

Apply

Additional Information

Funding Type

  • Scholarship

Role

  • Student