WashU’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to fostering a dynamic community of leaders who are both culturally and academically diverse.
Committed to educating a community of scholars equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing issues, the McDonnell Academy offers a transformational experience that strengthens leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and distinctive engagement opportunities. This multifaceted approach cultivates leaders who embrace a global mindset and who are dedicated to the principles of social responsibility.
2023-24 Annual Highlights
Facts
| Established: 2005 | |
| Motto: McDonnell Scholar for Life | |
| Network: 300+ scholars & alumni | |
| WashU programs: 70+ |
Global impact
WashU aims to create a cohort of future leaders in a global university system, promoting global awareness and social responsibility.
95
Scholars for 2025-26 academic year
241
McDonnell Academy alumni
50
International universities
70+
Academic programs
WashU schools
“The McDonnell Academy aims to inspire Scholars and meet their needs as developing world changers and global citizens. It has never been more essential to empower these emerging leaders to work together to solve our most challenging problems.”
Laura Benoist, Director
McDonnell Scholars
In-residence at WashU
- 5Arts & Architecture
- 32Arts & Sciences
- 4Business
- 29Engineering
- 1Law
- 12Medicine & Biomedical Science
- 12Social Work &
Public Health
McDonnell Scholars
In-residence at WashU
| Arts & Architecture | 5 |
|---|---|
| Arts & Sciences | 32 |
| Business | 4 |
| Engineering | 29 |
| Law | 1 |
| Medicine & Biomedical Science | 12 |
| Social Work & Public Health | 12 |
Mission
UNITING EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALS and ideas.
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy graduate fellowship program at WashU is dedicated to fostering a dynamic community of leaders who are both culturally and academically diverse. Committed to educating a community of scholars equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing issues, the McDonnell Academy offers a transformational experience that strengthens leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, and distinctive engagement opportunities. This multifaceted approach cultivates leaders who embrace a global mindset and who are dedicated to the principles of social responsibility.
Become a McDonnell Scholar
Together, our initiatives foster a dynamic environment where McDonnell Scholars grow as global thinkers, develop as leaders, and build a strong sense of community—reflecting WashU’s McDonnell Academy core pillars of global mindset, leadership, and community engagement.