In a world that’s more interconnected than ever, the value of global-minded education cannot be overstated. Students today are growing up in a landscape shaped by international relations, cross-cultural conversations, global economies, and shared challenges—from climate change to technological disruption. This environment demands leaders who can think beyond borders, communicate across cultures, and work collaboratively toward meaningful solutions.
One initiative that has been championing this vision for decades is the Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars Program, one of the largest international scholarship programs supporting undergraduate study in the United States. Designed to empower students from United World Colleges around the world, this scholarship has opened doors for thousands of promising young people to access world-class higher education while enriching U.S. campuses with global diversity.
If you’re a current UWC student, alumni, educator, or simply someone curious about international education, this blog post will guide you through what the Davis UWC Scholars Program is, how it works, and why it continues to be a transformative opportunity for students and universities alike.
What Is the Davis UWC Scholars Program?
The Davis UWC Scholars Program is a scholarship initiative founded by philanthropists Shelby M.C. Davis and Gale Davis. Their mission is rooted in the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating long-lasting peace and international understanding. The program supports graduates of the UWC schools—an international network of pre-university institutions located across the globe, each dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue and social responsibility.
UWC schools bring together students from dozens of countries to live and learn together, engaging in a challenging academic curriculum, experiential learning, and community service. The Davis Scholarship extends this mission by enabling UWC graduates to continue their educational journeys at select partner colleges and universities in the United States.
How the Scholarship Works
Unlike many traditional scholarships, the Davis UWC Scholars Program is unique in structure. Rather than awarding direct funds to students, the program provides financial support to partner U.S. institutions to help cover the cost of enrolling UWC graduates.
Here’s what that means in practice:
1. Partner Universities
Only select U.S. colleges and universities participate in the program. These institutions choose to collaborate with the Davis Foundation because they value global diversity and international engagement on their campuses. Many partners are highly ranked liberal arts colleges and research universities known for their academic excellence.
2. Need-Based Model
While the program is generous, it generally works within a need-based framework. This means each student’s financial package is determined through the partner college’s financial aid process, and the Davis contribution helps support that package. In many cases, UWC students receive substantial financial assistance, making U.S. education more accessible.
3. Eligibility
To be considered, students must:
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Be graduates of an accredited United World College.
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Apply and be admitted to one of the Davis partner institutions.
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Demonstrate financial need as determined by the college.
There is no separate application for the scholarship itself. Acceptance into the UWC and acceptance into a partner university are the primary requirements.
Why the Program Matters
1. Global Diversity on U.S. Campuses
College campuses thrive when students bring diverse stories, perspectives, and experiences. UWC graduates often represent dozens of countries in a single freshman class. They bring with them:
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Fluency in multiple languages
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A strong commitment to peace and sustainability
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Experience living and learning with peers from diverse backgrounds
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A passion for service and leadership
This creates a richer learning environment not only for international students but also for domestic American students who interact with peers from around the world.
2. Life-Changing Opportunities for Students
For many UWC graduates—especially those from low-income or conflict-affected regions—the Davis UWC Scholars Program provides access to universities they might never have dreamed possible. A world-class U.S. education can open doors to:
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Graduate programs
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Global careers
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Leadership opportunities
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Entrepreneurial pathways
More importantly, it equips them with the skills and networks needed to drive positive change in their home countries or within the global community.
3. Strengthening International Understanding
The program is not just about financial support—it’s about building bridges. When students from dozens of countries study in the U.S., they foster mutual understanding and cross-cultural friendships that can last a lifetime. These personal connections contribute to a broader culture of cooperation and empathy, which the world desperately needs.
Life as a Davis UWC Scholar
Being a Davis UWC Scholar is about more than financial aid—it’s about being part of a global community. Scholars often describe their college years as transformative, thanks to the diverse and intellectually vibrant environments in which they study.
Common experiences include:
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Participating in international student associations
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Sharing cultural traditions on campus
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Engaging in service projects
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Taking on leadership roles
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Exploring academic disciplines from global perspectives
Partner colleges often celebrate their Davis Scholars with orientation programs, special gatherings, or networking opportunities, helping them feel welcomed and supported.
How to Apply for the Opportunity
If you’re a current or future UWC student, here’s how you can prepare:
1. Work Hard at Your UWC
Strong academic performance and active engagement in UWC life—service, leadership, CAS activities—will strengthen your application to partner colleges.
2. Research Partner Colleges Early
Each partner institution has its own application deadlines, financial aid policies, and academic strengths. Start researching early to find the best fit for your goals.
3. Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the necessary financial aid forms required by each college. The Davis contribution works in coordination with the college’s internal aid process.
4. Craft a Strong Personal Narrative
Admissions committees value authenticity. Highlight experiences that shaped your worldview, leadership, resilience, and commitment to the UWC mission.
Final Thoughts
The Davis United World College Scholars Program stands as a shining example of how education can serve as a bridge across cultures. By empowering students from all corners of the globe to study in the United States, it fosters a more interconnected, compassionate, and peaceful world.
For UWC graduates, this scholarship is much more than financial assistance—it’s an invitation to grow academically, personally, and globally. For U.S. universities, it’s an opportunity to enrich campuses with perspectives that challenge and inspire. And for the world, it’s a pathway to cultivating leaders who understand the importance of cooperation and global citizenship.