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Knight-Hennessy Scholars Announces 2025 Cohort

In an exciting announcement made on May 13, 2025, Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University introduced its newest cohort of 84 scholars, marking the eighth edition of this esteemed program. This year’s cohort is distinguished not only by its number but also by its impressive diversity, representing students from 25 different countries and pursuing studies across 46 distinct graduate degree programs offered by Stanford's seven schools.

A Diverse Group of Scholars

This year's intake is particularly notable as it includes individuals from nations that have not been represented in previous cohorts, such as Cameroon, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Spain, Sudan, and Tunisia. This addition significantly enriches the global representation within the program, reinforcing its commitment to a multicultural perspective in higher education.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program aims to cultivate future leaders who are equipped to tackle complex global challenges. Scholars are selected based on their independent thinking, leadership potential, and civic engagement. They enjoy comprehensive financial support for up to three years, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in their studies while also participating in leadership development initiatives.

Leadership Development at Its Core

Central to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience is the King Global Leadership Program, which is designed to complement their academic pursuits. This program provides a variety of workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects that challenge scholars to think critically and act decisively. John L. Hennessy, Stanford’s Emeritus President, emphasized the urgent need for capable leaders today, remarking, “Our students are ready to think boldly, act with wisdom and humility, and lead with determination.”

Profiles and Achievements of the 2025 Scholars

Among the 2025 cohort, an impressive 48% hold non-American passports, highlighting the program’s extensive international reach. Furthermore, 53% of American scholars identify as people of color, and 11% have served in the U.S. military. The scholars have diverse academic backgrounds, having earned undergraduate degrees from 58 different institutions globally, including 20 international establishments that are represented for the first time.

Eighteen percent of the new scholars are the first in their families to graduate from college, showcasing the transformative impact of the program on individual lives.

Tina Seelig, the program's Executive Director, expressed her enthusiasm about the new cohort, stating, “Our community is enriched by the varied experiences and perspectives that each new scholar brings. It is inspiring to see scholars forge connections across disciplines, cultures, and mindsets, enhancing their ability to address the world’s most pressing issues.”

Future Prospects

The application process for the cohort of 2026 will open on June 1, 2025, and interested candidates must submit their applications by October 8, 2025. Aspiring scholars are encouraged to attend informational sessions to gain insights into the community, leadership development program, and admissions process.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars, announced in 2016 and named after Phil Knight, a noted philanthropist and co-founder of Nike, and John Hennessy, former Stanford president, stands as one of the largest fully funded scholarship programs in the world. As it continues to attract exceptional talent from diverse backgrounds, the program is a beacon of hope for future leaders committed to making meaningful contributions to society.

For more details, visit Knight-Hennessy Scholars.