The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) is inviting undergraduate students to participate in the 2026 Student Scholars Program, an initiative designed to connect emerging leaders with opportunities in international affairs, global policy and related careers.
Established in 2010 with support from the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family, the Student Scholars Program provides selected undergraduate students from WACA Council communities with the opportunity to attend the WACA National Conference at no cost to the student.
The programme is designed to create pathways into careers in world affairs while encouraging students to develop a deeper understanding of international issues and build professional networks.
Scholarship and Program Benefits
The 2026 Student Scholars Program will select 25 undergraduate students from participating WACA Council communities.
Selected Student Scholars will receive support to attend the WACA National Conference, including coverage of key participation-related expenses.
The programme provides:
• Complimentary attendance at the WACA National Conference.
• Support for travel expenses associated with attending the conference.
• Support for room and board during the programme.
• Access to Scholar Day, an exclusive Washington, DC educational experience.
• Opportunities to visit think tanks, embassies, international organisations and other institutions involved in global affairs.
• Opportunities to interact with professionals and other students interested in international affairs.
• Exposure to potential education and career pathways in world affairs.
WACA provides $1,250 to the nominating Council to help defray the Scholar’s travel and lodging expenses. The Council is responsible for arranging transportation and hotel reservations. Hotel arrangements must cover attendance for all three days of the National Conference.
The programme also facilitates roommate arrangements by sharing the list of accepted Scholars with sponsoring Councils.
Scholar Day Experience
An important component of the Student Scholars Program is Scholar Day, which gives participants an opportunity to explore Washington, DC and gain first-hand exposure to organisations working on international issues.
Students may visit think tanks, embassies, international organisations and other relevant institutions. These experiences are intended to help participants better understand the range of careers available in international affairs and identify opportunities that align with their academic and professional interests.
Through the programme, students can begin mapping their future academic and career pathways while developing a stronger global perspective.
Eligibility Requirements
Each WACA Council may nominate one undergraduate student aged 18 or older from a local college or university.
Only one nominee per Council will be considered. Students should therefore first engage with their local WACA Council and participate in its selection process before submitting the national application.
The programme encourages Councils to promote the opportunity broadly among local higher education institutions. Among applicants with comparable qualifications and potential, preference may be given to students who have not yet had significant involvement with their local World Affairs Council.
The following applicants are not eligible:
• High school students.
• Graduate students.
• College students enrolled in institutions located in Greater Washington, DC, commonly known as the DMV.
• Previous nominees who were not selected.
Nomination Process
The Student Scholars Program requires a two-stage process involving the local WACA Council and the nominated student.
Once a Council has selected its nominee, the Council must submit:
• An online Council nomination form.
• A letter of recommendation from a professor, preferably, or another professional who can attest to the student’s preparation and explain the value the opportunity would provide.
The student is responsible for ensuring that the recommendation letter reaches the Council in sufficient time for submission.
After being nominated, the student must submit:
• An online Student Scholars application form.
• A current resume.
• A one- to two-page letter of intent explaining the student’s interests, preparation and reasons for seeking the opportunity.
Students should ensure that their application materials clearly communicate their academic interests, career aspirations, leadership potential and interest in global affairs.
Selection and Notification
Following submission, nominated students will be reviewed by the WACA national office in consultation with the WACA Board of Directors.
The selection process will identify students who demonstrate strong potential to benefit from the Student Scholars experience and contribute meaningfully to the programme.
Selections are expected to be announced within two weeks after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline for nominated students to complete the national application is:
Friday, 25 September 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
Because students must first be selected by their local WACA Council, prospective applicants should contact their Council well before the national deadline to determine its local nomination procedures and deadlines.
The national application form should only be submitted after the student’s Council has confirmed them as its local nominee.
Participation Requirements
Student Scholars are expected to actively participate in the National Conference and associated programme activities.
Following the conference, each Scholar must submit a brief evaluation and report describing their experience. This report must be submitted no later than two weeks after the National Conference.
This requirement enables WACA to assess the programme’s impact and gather feedback from participating students.
Key Details
• Programme: WACA Student Scholars Program 2026
• Organisation: World Affairs Councils of America
• Number of Scholars: 25 undergraduate students
• Eligible applicants: Undergraduate students aged 18 or older
• Institution: Local college or university within a participating Council community
• Conference location: Washington, DC
• Funding: Conference participation, travel, room and board support
• Council support: $1,250 toward Scholar travel and lodging expenses
• Additional experience: Scholar Day visits to international affairs institutions
• Application deadline: 25 September 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
• Selection notification: Within two weeks after the deadline
Why Students Should Consider the Program
The WACA Student Scholars Program provides undergraduate students with a structured opportunity to explore careers in international affairs while gaining direct exposure to organisations shaping global policy and diplomacy.
By combining conference participation, professional exposure, educational visits and networking opportunities, the programme can help students strengthen their understanding of world affairs and identify potential academic and career directions.
Students interested in international relations, diplomacy, global development, public policy, international economics, security, human rights or related fields may find the programme particularly valuable.
Interested students should first identify and contact their local World Affairs Council, secure nomination through the Council’s local selection process and then complete the national application before the stated deadline.
