Numerous intersecting challenges confront the world today: widening gaps in opportunity and income; declining livability caused by population growth and environmental degradation; social instability owing to structural inequality and intergroup conflicts; persistent human health challenges despite rapidly rising costs. The world needs leaders in government, business, and nonprofits who can creatively address society’s thorniest problems. Through the generosity of alumnus Phil Knight, MBA ’62, philanthropist, American businessman and co-founder of Nike Inc., and numerous benefactors, the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Programme offers a transformative experience comprising opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and immersive interdisciplinary experiential learning. The programme is named after Mr. Knight and former Stanford president John Hennessy, who served as Stanford University’s 10th president from 2000 to 2016.
The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship programme cultivates and supports a highly engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. The Knight-Hennessy Scholarship seeks visionary thinkers who are curious, open-minded, analytical, eager for cross-cultural perspective, and genuinely excited to boldly and creatively address our world’s important challenges.
Eligibility
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme is a multidisciplinary and multicultural community. There are no restrictions based on age, college or university, the field of study, or career aspiration. The programme encourages citizens and residents of all countries to apply and does not require applicants to seek endorsements from colleges, universities, or other institutions. Broadly, there are two baseline eligibility requirements.
First, in addition to applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars, one must also apply to, be accepted by, and enroll in a full-time Stanford graduate degree programme. Each incoming Knight-Hennessy Scholar must be a newly enrolling student in a Stanford graduate programme including, but not limited to, DMA, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, or Ph.D. programs. There are no quotas by discipline or program. Second, one must have earned, in January 2015 or later, a US bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing.
Criteria
The scholarship programme looks for some conceptual qualities in their candidates, which determine their selection at Stanford. The applicants must have a strong ability to think independently and critically. Applicant must have a personal vision, comprising of a curious and open-minded outlook at the world’s most important challenges. The applicants must have experience in leadership and must strive to bring about meaningful changes in the world at their level. Finally, the applicants must have a civic mindset and must act through collaborative action with a humble, empathetic and supportive outlook.
Application
Interested applicants must apply separately to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars programme and the Stanford graduate degree programme. It is necessary to indicate the Stanford graduate degree programme to which the applicant is applying for in the Knights-Hennessy Scholars application.
The application process constitutes of three steps. Firstly, the applicant must start their online application for Knight-Hennessy Scholars and prepare application requirements. Secondly, the applicant must submit the online application for Knight-Hennessy Scholars as per the deadline. And finally, if needed, the applicant can update test scores for Knight-Hennessy Scholars through his/her application status page.
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