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 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 make global change. Learn more about the program and its global reach on the Laidlaw Foundation website.
The Program
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Additional Information
Funding Type
- Scholarship
Role
- Student