Launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society, the Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship program.

The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for Luce Scholars each year, and welcomes applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields who have had limited exposure to Asia.

List

Eligibility

  • Class year: Graduating seniors and alumni under the age of 32 or, if older, no more than three years out from receiving a bachelor’s degree
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizen or permanent residents.

Other eligibility guidelines:

  • Candidates who have spent a significant amount of time (an accumulated total of 18 weeks since beginning college) in one of the countries where Luce Scholars are placed are eligible to apply for the Luce to be placed in a country where they do not have significant experience
  • Candidates may have taken Asian language or Asia-focused courses or majored in Asian Studies. 

Applying & Guidance

Eligible applicants may submit applications directly to the Luce Scholarship application portal. 

Follow the instructions for submitting an application and review application tips and resources in the Luce Scholars Application Toolkit (Davidson login required).

Schedule an Office of Fellowships advising appointment with Gaylena Merritt, Director of Fellowships, to discuss your candidacy.

Award

Davidson Luce Scholars

2007 - Dane A. Erickson '01 (China)

2006 - Elizabeth Marie Melchionna '02 (Thailand)

2001 - Jason Prince '99 (Japan)

1991 - Mark Sandy '87 (Japan)

1985 - Lillian Grace Woo '86 (Malaysia)

1981 - Robert F. Campany '81 (Taiwan)