The Asia Foundation Announces the 2021-2022 Luce Scholars

After a three-month remote selection process, The Henry Luce Foundation and The Asia Foundation are delighted to announce the 2021–2022 class of Luce Scholars.

This year, nominations came from over 70 participating colleges and universities screened by program staff from a dozen non-affiliated campuses. More than 160 applicants contended for 18 spots in the new class. The Luce Scholars Program has long been dedicated to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion; the Foundation is proud to welcome the most diverse cohort in the program’s history.

Each year, the Luce Scholars Program provides young Americans who have great leadership potential but little exposure to Asia with a year-long immersive experience in the region. The professional, cultural, and linguistic challenges they encounter are central to the Luce experience and help the scholars grow personally and professionally. They develop a sophisticated understanding of a dynamic region that is critical to the United States’ future and gain a new perspective of the world.

In 2020, scholars not only had to adapt to new geographies, languages, and cultures, but they also were tasked with navigating the effects of the pandemic. As repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic continue to unfold, much remains uncertain. The Luce Scholars Program is committed to working with the scholars—individually and as a cohort—by providing them with flexible and personalized support. More than ever, the United States needs a new generation of leaders who deeply understand Asia, and can build bridges and work effectively with their counterparts and communities in Asia. Learn more about the Luce Scholars Program and the 2021-2022 class.

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across a dynamic and developing Asia. Informed by six decades of experience and deep local expertise, our work across the region addresses five overarching goals—strengthen governance, empower women, expand economic opportunity, increase environmental resilience, and promote international cooperation.

Read more about the Foundation’s work.

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