Office of Fellowships Knight-Hennessy Overview

Who is eligible?

Citizens of all countries who are seniors or alums up to five years removed from their graduation from college are eligible. Applicants must be planning to enroll in any full-time graduate degree program at Stanford (for example, but not limited to, DMA, Eng, JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, or PhD) or one of Stanford's many joint- and dual-degree options. First-year PhD students at Stanford may also apply. All fields are welcome, but applicants in philosophy must be pursuing an MA or PhD in philosophy as the second degree in a dual-degree program. Priority will be given to applicants who will spend at least two years at Stanford, as the program emphasizes developing a community cohort of scholars. Applicants may not be currently enrolled in graduate study at Stanford.

The scholarship cannot be deferred. Prospective applicants who plan to defer their enrollment at Stanford should apply to K-H in the year before they would begin their program. For example, if you defer your enrollment to September 2023 you should apply to K-H in 2022.

Does this application require endorsement by the college?

No.

How much funding is awarded and how can I use it?

The program funds up to the first three years of graduate education, and for those whose degree program exceeds three years (such as MD or PhD programs, or dual- or joint-degree programs) their academic department(s) will fund the remainder of their education to the extent consistent with the department(s) standard funding commitment. During the first three years, Scholars receive: a fellowship applied directly to cover tuition and associated fees, a stipend for living and academic expenses (such as room and board, books, academic supplies, instructional materials, local transportation, and reasonable personal expenses), a travel stipend intended to cover one economy-class ticket for an annual trip to and from Stanford, and potential for supplemental funds to support activities such as conference travel). Scholars who engage in optional research projects during the summer can receive summer funding. Additionally, Scholars pursuing positive impact through social entrepreneurship may be eligible to apply for seed funding. 

Who from Amherst has won this award?

Since the K-H Scholars program's inception in 2016, three Amherst students have been selected as scholars, in addition to several finalists. As you think about your own candidacy, read applications from some of our recent winners.

• Harith Khawaja '19
• Dakota Foster '18
• Matthew DeButts '14

What is the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program history and mission?

Established in 2016, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program aims to “prepare a new generation of leaders with a deep academic foundation and the broad skill set to develop creative solutions to effect positive change in the world.” The program stems from the generosity of Stanford University alumnus Phil Knight, MBA '62, American businessman and co-founder of Nike, and numerous benefactors. It is named for Mr. Knight and John L. Hennessy, who was the 10^th president of Stanford University and is the academic architect and visionary behind the program. The program offers a transformative experience including opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and immersive interdisciplinary experiential learning that will produce leaders in government, business, and nonprofits who can creatively address society’s thorniest problems.