Luard Morse Scholarships

Kennedy Williams wins $30,000 in Scholarship to Study in England as the 2024-2025 ESU Luard Morse Scholar

"The English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce Kennedy Williams as the next Scholar. Kennedy, a sophomore biology major at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, represents the highest caliber of student-scholars our nation has to offer. The ESU is honored to support her educational efforts as she broadens her horizons with this study-abroad opportunity to the United Kingdom. Now more than ever, the need for global dialogue and relationships between people is critical to a peaceful future. The Scholarship Committee and the Luard Morse alumni community joins me in wishing Kennedy, and all the finalists and applicants, the very best,"  stated Darrell W. Hill, chair of the ESU Luard Morse Scholarship Committee. Kennedy Williams will receive $30,000 toward a semester of study at any university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Kennedy intends to continue her study of Biology in the United Kingdom in pursuit of her long-term career goal of becoming a forensic medical examiner. Given her strong academic and leadership track record, we are confident that Kennedy will excel during her semester abroad.

"Since 1969 The English Speaking Union's Luard Morse Scholarships have worked to advance the connection between Historically Black Colleges and top universities throughout the United Kingdom.  The ESU is proud to welcome Kennedy Williams to this impressive roster of scholars. " Karen Karpowich, President/ Executive Director.

Khalil Winzer-Wilks

Kawama Wilson

Journei Ferguson

The Luard Morse Scholarship finalists included three other exceptional sophomore students: Khalil Winzer-Wilks, a History and International Affairs Major at Howard University; Journei Ferguson, a Computer Science Major at Spelman College; and Kawama Wilson, an Elementary Education Major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The night before the Scholarship Interviews, they were honored with a Welcome Dinner and Jazz at Birdland hosted by ESU Luard Morse Alum, Omnika Thompson (1993). Following the Scholarship interviews, they were able to enjoy the camaraderie of lunch with the Luard Morse Scholarship Alumni Committee members at the ESU, who were happy to answer questions on their experiences in the UK as ESU Luard Morse Scholars and how the scholarship continues to impact their lives.

The Luard Morse Scholarship Committee comprises dedicated program alumni, including Darrell Hill (1990); Monique Robinson Clark (1999); Sean Mickens (2007); Rami Blair (2018); Brandy Bien-Aime (1999); Demetriouse Russell (1987), as well as Christopher Medalis, PhD.

Since 1969, The English-Speaking Union has provided Luard Morse Scholarships to students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to study in the United Kingdom. These merit awards, which are open to sophomores pursuing a four-year degree, provide up to $30,000 for a semester of study at any university in the United Kingdom. Students in all disciplines are eligible. The scholarship has been awarded to students majoring in economics, philosophy, finance, mathematics, liberal arts and the sciences.  For additional information about the English-Speaking Union Luard Morse Scholarships, please visit the Luard Morse Scholarships pages on the English-Speaking Union website or contact Alice Uhl, Education Programs Director, International Scholarship & Debate at auhl@esuus.org or 212-818-1200, ext. 212.

Founded in 1920, the English-Speaking Union is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that employs English as a catalyst to foster global understanding and good will by providing educational and cultural opportunities for students, educators, members and volunteers.