Baylor Celebrates Record-Setting Year for Prestigious Scholarship Applications

October 18, 2024

WACO, Texas (October 18, 2024) – Baylor University proudly announces a record-setting year for early fall post-graduate fellowship applications, with 153 students and alumni seeking prestigious post-graduate awards. This record-setting cycle includes:

103 Baylor students and alumni applying for a Fulbright award, which offers opportunities for graduating college seniors, graduate students, and early-career professionals to engage in international educational and cultural exchanges.
10 applicants for the Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious postgraduate award funded by the British government that enables intellectually distinguished young Americans to study at any university in the United Kingdom.
7 applicants for the Rhodes Scholarship, one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs, providing full financial support for outstanding students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford.
11 applicants for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, a prestigious international postgraduate award that enables outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge.
3 applicants for the Rangel Graduate Fellowship, designed to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State.
3 applicants for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, a prestigious program designed to prepare outstanding young people for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service.
2 applicants for the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, a prestigious program designed to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
3 applicants for the Kanders Churchill Scholarship, a prestigious award designed to bridge the gap between science and science policy, funded by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States to pursue a policy degree at the University of Cambridge.
2 applicants for the Churchill Scholarship, a prestigious award established by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States to provide American students with the to pursue a graduate degree in science, mathematics, or engineering at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
2 applicants for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which promotes the quality, vitality, and diversity in science, mathematics, or engineering fields by recognizing and supporting outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based graduate degrees in these fields.
4 applicants for the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, a program that prepares graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world by funding three years of graduate degree at Stanford University.
2 applicants for the Schwarzman Scholarship, an award designed to build a global community of future leaders who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world while pursuing a master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
1 applicant for the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, a prestigious merit-based fellowship program designed to support immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States who are pursuing graduate education.

Dr. Daniel Benyousky, Director of Major Fellowships and Awards in the Office of Engaged Learning, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements: “This record-setting number of applications is a testament to the dedication and ambition of our students and alumni. Their pursuit of these prestigious awards reflects Baylor’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.”

Dr. Anna Beaudry, Assistant Director of Major Fellowships & Awards, added: “We are thrilled to see such a diverse group of students and alumni applying for these scholarships. The support and resources provided by the Office of Engaged Learning have been instrumental in preparing them for this journey.”

The record-setting pace in applications follows on the heels of a record year of winners in 2023-24. For the past two award cycles, Baylor has been recognized as Fulbright Top Producing Institution for valuing global connection and supporting members of the Baylor community to pursue international opportunities.

The Office of Engaged Learning at Baylor University plays a crucial role in guiding students through the application process for these competitive awards. The office offers personalized advising, workshops, and resources to help students develop strong applications. Additionally, the office fosters a supportive community that encourages students to pursue their academic and professional goals.

As the application season continues, many more Baylor students are expected to apply for the Critical Language Scholarship, the Boren Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, and the Udall Scholarship, among others. Baylor University remains committed to supporting its students in their pursuit of excellence and global impact.

For more information, please contact: Office of Engaged Learning Baylor University Phone: (254) 710-3231, Email: engagedlearning@baylor.edu