“The English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce Kennedy Williams as the next Scholar. Kennedy, a sophomore biology major at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, represents the highest caliber of student-scholars our nation has to offer. The ESU is honored to support her educational efforts as she broadens her horizons with this study-abroad opportunity to the United Kingdom. Now more than ever, the need for global dialogue and relationships between people is critical to a peaceful future. The Scholarship Committee and the Luard Morse alumni community joins me in wishing Kennedy, and all the finalists and applicants, the very best,”  stated Darrell W. Hill, chair of the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee. Kennedy Williams will receive $30,000 toward a semester of study at any university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Kennedy intends to continue her study of Biology in the United Kingdom in pursuit of her long-term career goal of becoming a forensic medical examiner. Given her strong academic and leadership track record, we are confident that Kennedy will excel during her semester abroad.

“Since 1969 The English Speaking Union’s Luard Morse Scholarships have worked to advance the connection between Historically Black Colleges and top universities throughout the United Kingdom.  The ESU is proud to welcome Kennedy Williams to this impressive roster of scholars. “ Karen Karpowich, President/ Executive Director.

2025-26 ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Applications are Open Now! See Below for More Infomation & Applications

Dear ESU Friends,

I am delighted to share with you the tremendous success of the recent ESU Luard Morse Scholarship reunion and celebration, which took place on March 22, 2024, at the British Embassy in Washington D.C. This event was a pivotal moment in our ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the Luard Morse Scholarships, energize our alumni network, and strengthen the bonds within the ESU community.

The evening was nothing short of spectacular, filled with warmth, camaraderie, and inspiring conversations among our guests.

The Luard Morse Scholarship provides up to $30,000 towards a semester of study at a British university to deserving students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The scholarship is open to sophomore students in all disciplines and has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts, and the sciences.

Since the inaugural 1969-70 academic year, 90 Luard Scholars have performed with distinction at 18 British universities, including University of Oxford, Cambridge University, University of Edinburgh, and the London School of Economics. They have served as ambassadors for the United States while abroad and for British higher education upon returning home.

Candidates must be U.S. Citizens, excel academically (minimum 3.0 grade point average) and  demonstrate strong leadership skills, community involvement, and interest in international affairs, culture or issues of global significance.

ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Application Criteria

We thank every applicant for taking the time to share their experiences and goals with us through this application. As we get to know each student through their writing, records, and recommendations, the following six qualities, among others, are being considered:

Academic Success: How has this student pursued and excelled in a rigorous course of study?
Intellectual Curiosity: How has this student demonstrated open-mindedness and a desire to expand their horizons?
Relevance of ESU Luard Morse Scholarship: How well does the student describe his/her professional goals and the role this scholarship will play in the achievement of those goals?
Character: How has this student demonstrated resilience, integrity, and adaptability?
Leadership and Community Engagement: How has this student demonstrated leadership and played a role in their community?
Ambassadorship: How will this student serve as a communicator abroad and as an ESU Luard Morse Scholar upon their return?

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE TO THE  ESU BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024 

 Completed ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Applications Must be submitted by school coordinator.

Finalists receive an all-expense paid trip to NYC to interview with the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee in January 2025

Ms. Michayla George, a Business Major at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, has been selected as the recipient of an English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship. Karen Karpowich, Executive Director of the English-Speaking Union, announced the winner, noting that she will receive $25,000 toward a semester of study at any university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Luard Morse Scholarship Committee comprises dedicated program alumni, including Darrell Hill (1990); Monique Robinson (1999); Sean Mickens (2007); Rami Blair (2018), as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD.

Since 1969, The English-Speaking Union has provided Luard Morse Scholarships to students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to study in the United Kingdom. These merit awards, which are open to sophomores pursuing a four-year degree, provide up to $25,000 for a semester of study at any university in the United Kingdom. Students in all disciplines are eligible. The scholarship has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts and the sciences.

The English-Speaking Union of the United States is pleased to announce Mr. Shang Andrews II has been selected as the 2022 Luard Morse Scholarship recipient. Mr. Andrews of Potomac Falls, VA is a student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Under the Luard Morse Scholarship, Mr. Andrews has been awarded up to $25,000 to study for a semester in the British University of his choice.

“Unwavering in its support of academic excellence and to international understanding, The English-Speaking Union of the United States is excited and proud to announce its Luard Morse Scholarship recipient.  This year’s Luard Morse Scholar, Shang Andrews II, a sophomore Computer Engineering major from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, represents the best and brightest of American undergraduate students. The ESU is honored to support his educational endeavors studying in the United Kingdom. The entire Luard Morse community of Scholars joins me in welcoming Shang into our ranks and wishing him a safe and extraordinary study-abroad experience,” stated Darrell W. Hill, chair of the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee.

During his scholarship period, Mr. Andrews intends to continue his study of Computer Science in the United Kingdom. Given Mr. Andrews’s strong academic and leadership track record, we are confident that Mr. Andrews will excel during his semester abroad.

The finalist cohort included three other exceptional students from across the United States: Calvin Bell III, sophomore student of Political Science and Philosophy in Pre-Law at Morehouse College, Renee Creppy sophomore student of Neuroscience and French at Xavier University, and Jordan Nabwe, sophomore student of Political Science at Howard University. 

The Luard Morse Scholarship committee comprises dedicated program alumni, including Darrell Hill (1990); Jill Toliver Richardson, PhD (1998); Sean Mickens (2007); Rami Blair  (2018) as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD.

Alice Uhl, Director of International Scholarship, Shakespeare & Debate 

auhl@esuus.org

(212) 818-1200, ext. 212