Thank you for your interest in the Luce Scholars Program, we look forward to learning more about you.

Application Procedures - For the Luce Scholars Program on SurveyMonkey Apply (SMA)

Applications for the 2025-2026 Luce Scholars competition must be submitted no later than October 1, 2024 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.  We are unable to accept or review late applications materials. 

For questions on eligibility, application content, or the Luce Scholar Year please reach out to lucescholars@hluce.org. 

For technical support or assistance using Survey Monkey Apply, please contact Survey Monkey Customer Support.

Eligibility

Applicants will first fill out a short questionnaire to confirm eligibility. 

Eligible Applicants will gain access to the application. Applicants deemed ineligible will be notified by email.  For more information on eligibility, please click here.

Luce Scholar Program Application 

The application includes sections for contact and biographical, professional, and academic information.

Personal Statement

Applicants are asked to use the Personal Statement (maximum 1,000 words) to give the reader a window into their personal journey; their long-range personal and professional interests; how they have developed; and how this journey informs their vision and aspirations for making an impact in the world.

Three Short Answer Questions

Applicants are asked to answer three short answer questions (maximum of 250 words each).

1) Tell us about someone you consider to be an inspirational leader.  Which of their qualities, practices, or achievements do you find compelling and why?

2) What is your superpower in a group? Describe a time you brought something to the table in a team situation that changed the dynamics or made something possible that might not have otherwise happened.

3) Use this space to tell us why you are interested in the Luce Scholars Program at this point in your personal and professional journey. How do you envision the Luce year contributing to your personal goals and your greater social impact?

Academic Transcripts Upload

Applicants will also be asked to submit PDF versions of transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate course work. Both official and unofficial transcripts are accepted.

Submit requests for Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Two letters of recommendation (LORs) are required.  Applicants will complete a form for each recommender with the recommender's name and email. Once a form is submitted, an email is triggered to the recommender asking them to upload letters directly to the application portal. Letters must be uploaded separately by the recommenders. LORs can be from academic or professional references, or a combination of both.  We encourage applicants to seek LORs from mentors, supervisors, professors, or other figures who have directly observed and can attest to their skills, achievements, and leadership potential.  These recommenders should be familiar with the applicant's abilities, accomplishments and leadership potential. LORs should be signed on official letterhead whenever possible.

Letters must be uploaded no later than 5:00pm EST on October 1, 2024. We strongly encourage applicants to request letters of recommendation as soon as possible. Applicants may jump to the Request Recommendation Letters Task at any point in completing an application. Applications will be considered incomplete if letters of recommendation are not submitted by the deadline. 

Video Upload

In a 1-to-2-minute video show and describe a place or item that is meaningful to you. How has this item or location affected or influenced you and your journey?  

This video is a chance for us to get to know you as an applicant. Think of this as your elevator pitch. Candidates should feel free to be creative, honest, funny, or whatever way you think best conveys your interest and personality. We encourage applicants to keep the production of this video simple and informal (video recorded on a phone or laptop is preferable). We are interested in the applicant's response to the, not in production capabilities. 

Supplemental Materials

Applicants are invited, but not required, to upload examples of original work (i.e. artist's portfolios, publications, podcasts, etc.) We ask that you be considerate of the reviewer's time when compiling the volume of these materials. 

All Application Materials, including letters of recommendations and all required and optional uploads, must be received no later than 5:00pm on October 1. In the event of technical difficulties or application submission issues, please use the HELP feature in the toolbar of the application portal.  You may also reach out to lucescholars@hluce.org, but we cannot guarantee that applications submitted after the deadline will be considered.

Application FAQs

What happens if my recommender cannot submit on time?

We strongly encourage you to work with your recommenders to explore all viable options to submit their letters on time. If a recommender is not able to write a letter on your behalf, you may withdraw the request and submit a new recommender form at any time. Remember, although you may submit your application, is not complete until your recommenders have submitted their letters.

How will I know if my recommendations have been submitted?

You will receive an email each time a letter of recommendation is submitted. It is your responsibility to follow up with your recommenders to make sure your letters are submitted by the deadline. 

Do I need to complete the application in one sitting?

No, applicants can save applications at any point while in progress and as many times as necessary.

I submitted my application, what happens next?

Review of applications begins immediately after the deadline. Click here to learn more about our review process.

I have an ongoing health condition; can I still apply?

Yes, scholars with physical and mental health conditions are eligible. As long as you are able to travel to Asia, we will work to support your success as a Luce Scholar.

I’ve read the website, but I still have questions about eligibility, the application process, or the Luce year. Who can I contact?

For questions regarding eligibility, applications, or the Luce year, please email lucescholars@hluce.org.