WACA Student Scholars Program 2026: Fully Funded National Conference Opportunity for Undergraduate Students

The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) Student Scholars Program 2026 offers undergraduate students an exceptional opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to careers in international affairs, global policy, diplomacy, and world affairs. The program is designed to create pathways into careers in world affairs while encouraging students to develop a lifelong interest in international issues. Through the program, 25 undergraduate students from WACA Council communities will be selected to attend the WACA National Conference at no cost. In addition to conference participation, WACA supports the costs associated with students’ travel, room, and board, giving selected scholars the opportunity to participate in a major national gathering without having to carry the full financial burden themselves. The program also includes Scholar Day, an exclusive Washington, DC experience that allows participating students to explore the world of international affairs beyond the conference itself. Students can visit think tanks, embassies, international organizations, and other institutions connected to global affairs. For students considering careers in diplomacy, international relations, public policy, government, international development, economics, security, nonprofit organizations, journalism, or related fields, the WACA Student Scholars Program can provide valuable exposure, professional connections, and a clearer understanding of possible career pathways.

About the WACA Student Scholars Program

The Student Scholars Program was established in 2010 with generous support from the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Family. Since its creation, the initiative has focused on connecting undergraduate students with the broader world affairs community and helping them explore educational and professional opportunities related to international affairs. The program is built around the idea that meaningful exposure to world affairs can help students make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

Rather than limiting participation to classroom learning, WACA provides scholars with opportunities to interact with institutions, professionals, and other students who share an interest in global issues.

The program therefore combines:

• National conference participation
• Professional and educational exposure
• Washington, DC institutional visits
• Networking opportunities
• Career exploration
• International affairs education
• Engagement with the WACA Council network

What Does the Student Scholars Program Offer?

Selected scholars receive substantial support to participate in the WACA National Conference and related activities.

1. Attendance at the National Conference

WACA selects 25 undergraduate students from Council communities to participate in the National Conference.

The selected students attend the conference at no cost, allowing them to engage with the program without paying the standard conference participation costs.

The National Conference brings students into an environment focused on world affairs and provides opportunities to learn from people working across the international affairs field.

2. Travel and Lodging Support

WACA provides $1,250 to the nominating Council to help defray the Scholar’s travel and lodging expenses.

The funding is intended to help cover:

• Travel-related costs
• Lodging expenses
• Double-occupancy accommodation

The participating Council is responsible for arranging the student’s transportation and hotel reservations.

Importantly, hotel arrangements must cover attendance for all three days of the National Conference.

WACA also helps Councils identify potential roommates by sharing the list of accepted Scholars with sponsoring Councils.

3. Scholar Day in Washington, DC

One of the distinctive elements of the program is Scholar Day, an exclusive excursion designed specifically for Student Scholars.

During this experience, students have the opportunity to explore Washington, DC institutions connected to international affairs.

Potential visits include:

• Think tanks
• Embassies
• International organizations
• Other institutions involved in global affairs and policy

This experience can help students move beyond theoretical classroom discussions and see how international affairs operates in professional and institutional settings.

4. Career and Academic Exploration

The program is designed to help students “map their global futures.”

By meeting professionals and visiting organizations involved in international affairs, students can gain a better understanding of potential career directions.

The experience may be particularly valuable for students interested in areas such as:

• International relations
• Diplomacy
• Foreign policy
• Global development
• International economics
• Public policy
• Government
• International organizations
• Nonprofit and civil society work
• Global security
• International journalism
• Research and think tanks

2026 Student Scholars Program Eligibility

The WACA Student Scholars Program has specific eligibility requirements.

Each participating Council may nominate one undergraduate student who is at least 18 years old and attends a local college or university.

Basic eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be an undergraduate student.
2. Be at least 18 years old.
3. Attend a local college or university within an eligible WACA Council community.
4. Be selected and nominated by their local WACA Council.
5. Complete the national application process after being informed that they are the Council’s local nominee.

A critical point for prospective applicants is that students cannot simply submit an application independently and expect WACA to forward it to a local Council.

The Council first conducts its own local selection process. Once a student has been selected as the Council’s nominee, that student can proceed with the national application.

Who Is Not Eligible?

WACA specifically excludes several categories of students from consideration.

The following are not eligible:

• High school students
• Graduate students
• College students in Greater Washington, DC (the DMV)
• Prior nominees who were not selected

Therefore, students who are currently pursuing graduate-level studies should not apply, even if they previously participated in an undergraduate program.

Similarly, high school students are not eligible for this particular opportunity.

How Does the Nomination Process Work?

The WACA Student Scholars Program uses a two-stage nomination and application process.

Understanding this process is extremely important because students cannot bypass the local Council selection stage.

Stage 1: Local Council Selection

The local WACA Council identifies and selects its Student Scholar nominee.

Each Council can nominate only one undergraduate student.

Multiple nominees from the same Council will not be considered.

WACA encourages local Councils to promote the opportunity broadly among nearby colleges and universities so that students who may not already be heavily involved with the Council can learn about the program.

Among applicants who are equally qualified and show promise, preference is given to nominees who may not yet have significant local Council involvement.

This means that students should not assume they are at a disadvantage simply because they have not previously been deeply involved with their local World Affairs Council.

Stage 2: National Application

After the local Council has selected its nominee, the nominated student must complete the national application process.

The Council and the student have separate submission requirements.

Documents Required From the Nominating Council

Once a nominee has been selected, the Council must submit:

1. Online Council Nomination Form

The nominating Council must complete the official online nomination form.

2. Professor’s Letter of Recommendation

The Council must also submit a letter of recommendation from a professor of the nominated student.

The student is responsible for making sure that the professor sends the recommendation to the Council in sufficient time for the Council to submit the complete nomination.

Students should therefore contact their professor well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.

Documents Required From the Nominated Student

After being selected as the Council’s nominee, the student must submit:

1. Online Student Application Form

The nominated student must complete WACA’s official Student Application Form.

2. Current Resume

Applicants must provide an up-to-date resume highlighting their education, experience, activities, achievements, interests, and other relevant qualifications.

3. Letter of Intent

Applicants must submit a 1–2 page Letter of Intent.

This document provides the student with an opportunity to explain their interests, goals, aspirations, and reasons for wanting to participate in the Student Scholars Program.

Applicants should use the Letter of Intent strategically to demonstrate how participation could contribute to their academic development, professional goals, and interest in world affairs.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2026 WACA Student Scholars Program is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Prospective students should not wait until the deadline to begin preparing their documents. Because the process involves local Council selection, a professor’s recommendation, a Council nomination, and the student’s national application, students should begin by contacting their local WACA Council and asking about its internal selection timeline.

What Happens After Applications Are Submitted?

After applications are submitted, nominated students are reviewed by the WACA national office in consultation with the WACA Board of Directors.

The final selections are expected to be announced within two weeks after the application deadline.

Selected students then participate in the National Conference and associated Student Scholar activities.

To apply click HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftagIkRIxSyVp09lPabc4PF4U39lLTGznFdHhH4Yhec4PXZw/viewform

Student Scholar Participation Requirements

Selection for the program comes with responsibilities.

As part of their participation requirements, Student Scholars must submit:

• A brief evaluation of their experience
• A report about their experience

These materials must be submitted no later than two weeks after the National Conference.

This requirement allows WACA to collect feedback from participating students and better understand the value and impact of the Student Scholars experience.

Why Should Undergraduate Students Consider This Opportunity?

The WACA Student Scholars Program offers more than attendance at a conference.

For an undergraduate student interested in global affairs, the experience can provide exposure to people and institutions that may otherwise be difficult to access at the undergraduate level.

Exposure to the World Affairs Community

Students gain an opportunity to become more familiar with the organizations and professionals shaping conversations around international affairs.

Washington, DC Experience

Scholar Day provides students with an opportunity to visit institutions in Washington, DC and gain firsthand insight into the work conducted by think tanks, embassies, international organizations, and other institutions.

Career Exploration

Students can use the experience to investigate potential career paths and better understand how their academic interests connect with professional opportunities.

Networking

Participating alongside other Student Scholars and engaging with the wider WACA community can help students develop relationships that may remain valuable beyond the program.

Professional Development

Preparing a resume, writing a Letter of Intent, communicating with professors, working with a Council, and participating in a national program can all contribute to professional development.

Global Perspective

The program encourages students to think beyond their local academic environment and engage with broader international questions and institutions.

An Important Point About Local Council Selection

One of the most important details applicants should understand is that the Student Application Form is not a substitute for local Council selection.

WACA explicitly explains that the national forms are not intended for local selection and that submissions will not be forwarded to Councils for their own selection process.

Councils must conduct their own local selection and collect the necessary documents.

Therefore, students should:

1. Identify the WACA Council connected to their local community.
2. Contact the Council to ask about its Student Scholars selection process.
3. Follow the Council’s local nomination requirements.
4. Wait until the Council informs them that they are the selected local nominee.
5. Complete the national Student Application Form after receiving that confirmation.
6. Submit the required resume and Letter of Intent.
7. Ensure that the professor’s recommendation reaches the Council on time.

This process is particularly important because only one student can be nominated by each Council.

Additional links for info here: https://worldaffairscouncils.org/student-scholars-program/

Official Program Resources and Application Links

Students and Councils can access the official WACA resources below:

Students should verify all requirements and deadlines through the official WACA materials before submitting their application.

For more info/ inquiry here:waca@worldaffairscouncils.org

Tips for Prospective Student Scholars

Start With Your Local Council

Do not begin by completing the national application form. First determine which WACA Council serves your area and ask about its local nomination process.

Prepare Your Resume Early

Make sure your resume is current and clearly presents your education, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, research, volunteer work, internships, awards, and relevant interests.

Give Your Professor Enough Time

The recommendation letter is an important part of the nomination process. Contact your professor early and clearly communicate the Council’s deadline.

Make Your Letter of Intent Personal

The Letter of Intent should explain why you are interested in world affairs and how the Student Scholars experience connects with your academic and career goals.

Do Not Assume Previous Council Involvement Is Required

WACA indicates that, among equally qualified applicants of promise, preference may be given to students who do not yet have significant local Council involvement.

Students should therefore consider applying even if they have not previously been highly active in their local Council.

Confirm the Deadline and Time Zone

The final national application deadline is September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Applicants should submit their materials before the final hours to avoid technical or document-related problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students will be selected?

WACA offers the opportunity to 25 undergraduate students from Council communities.

Is participation in the National Conference free?

Yes. Selected Student Scholars attend the National Conference at no cost.

Does WACA provide travel and lodging support?

WACA provides $1,250 to the nominating Council to help defray the Scholar’s travel and lodging costs, including double-occupancy accommodation.

Who arranges transportation and hotel reservations?

The participating Council is responsible for arranging transportation and hotel reservations for its Scholar.

Can two students from the same Council be nominated?

No. Each Council may nominate one undergraduate student, and multiple nominees from the same Council will not be considered.

Can graduate students apply?

No. Graduate students are specifically excluded from eligibility.

Can high school students apply?

No. The program is intended for undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old.

Can students in the DMV apply?

No. College students in Greater Washington, DC, commonly referred to as the DMV, are not eligible.

Can a student who was nominated in the past but not selected apply again?

No. Prior nominees who were not selected are listed among those who are not eligible.

Does the program have a nationality restriction?

The provided eligibility requirements do not identify a specific nationality, race, or continental restriction. Eligibility is primarily tied to undergraduate status, age, attendance at an eligible local institution, and nomination through a WACA Council.

When will the results be announced?

WACA states that selections will be announced within two weeks after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The WACA Student Scholars Program 2026 provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to the world affairs community while participating in the WACA National Conference and an exclusive Scholar Day experience in Washington, DC. With support for conference participation and financial assistance provided through the nominating Council for travel and lodging, the program can give selected students access to professional environments, international organizations, think tanks, embassies, and other institutions that can help shape their understanding of global affairs. The program is particularly valuable for undergraduate students who are beginning to consider careers related to international relations, diplomacy, public policy, government, international development, global economics, research, and other world affairs fields. However, prospective applicants should remember that this is a Council-based nomination program. Students cannot simply submit the national application independently. They must first be selected as the nominee of their local WACA Council. Eligible undergraduate students should therefore begin by contacting their local Council, learning about its internal nomination process, preparing their resume and Letter of Intent, and arranging their professor recommendation well ahead of the final deadline.

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