The Davis Scholars program takes its mission seriously: to build international understanding through education, the program recruits high school students interested in multiculturalism and gives them the chance to study all over the world. Four Scripps College students jumped at the offer.
Sara Dunleavy-Berge ’13, Manasi Kirloskar ’12, Refilwe Moahi ’13, and Evelyn Wong ’13 are participants in the unique Davis United World College Scholars Program, a philanthropic organization hoping to foster ties between the world’s future decision-makers by helping scholars in the United World College realize their higher education goals.
“United World College makes education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future,” says Sara, a Rhode Island native who spent two years in the program’s New Mexico location. “My anthropology class had students representing 15 countries — it was amazing to witness the shock of international students. It did not resemble the America they had imagined!
“I was picked to go to Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, which became part of the Davis Scholarship program,” explains Refilwe, who comes from Gaborone, Botswana. “The majority of the scholars were international students, and I think that helped make it a much more diverse school.”
“At least half of my school applied to become a Davis Scholar,” adds Evelyn, who came from Ipoh, Malaysia, to study politics and international relations at Scripps. “The program is widely known and students are encouraged to take advantage of it.”
The encouragement is understandable. Since the program’s inception in 2000, UWC graduates with demonstrated financial need receive scholarships studying at one of 91 participating American colleges and universities, of which Scripps is one. Students receive up to $20,000 of aid every year of their undergraduate education from the Davis Foundation, and thousands more from the Davis partner colleges they attend.
“It is a major help financially,” says Evelyn. “You also get plugged into this larger philanthropic, internationally-minded, and welcoming community that is making an effort to help our world.”
“It is amazing,” says Refilwe, “as it gives people opportunities they may have never had without it.”
“At 16, I never would have imagined the network being a Davis Scholar provided,” adds Sara. “Beyond professional connections and being part of a close-knit family, the benefits of the UWC are only just beginning to reveal themselves.”
Representatives from Scripps recently visited the South East Asia, Li Po Chun (Hong Kong), USA, Mahindra (India), and Lester B Pearson (British Columbia) United World College locations to further embrace the one-of-a-kind educational opportunity provided by UWC. Creating a powerful global community, both at home and abroad, is a goal shared by both institutions — and its students.
“Meeting another Davis Scholar is like running into a long-lost cousin,” says Sara. “We need more of them in Claremont!”