The Luther Hodges Scholars program seeks candidates with exceptional potential for success. Application requirements include:

• Must currently be applying to the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Business Administration Major or Business Administration Minor (applicants for other KFBS majors/minors are not eligible)
• Must be in-residence for spring 2027 (first semester in program)
• Must be available to complete a Cross-Sector Internship during summer 2027
• Applicants may only apply to either Luther Hodges Scholars or TREBLE

NOTE: Recipients of the Morehead-Cain Scholarship are not eligible to apply for the Luther Hodges Scholars Program. Due to overlapping com

The application for the Luther Hodges Scholars (LHS) program opens on June 15, 2026. The application is accessible through the Kenan-Flagler Business School application via ConnectCarolina. The application deadline is August 10, 2026 at 9:00pm.

The Luther Hodges Scholars application consists of three essay responses, two short answer questions, and an internship availability acknowledgement. See the items below. Responses to the questions must be comprehensive, yet concise.

Essay Responses

Essay I: Mission & Cross-Sector Orientation

Prompt: The Luther Hodges Scholars program develops future business leaders who address complex societal challenges through leadership, research, and cross-sector collaboration.

Describe a specific societal or economic challenge that matters to you. (250–300 words)

• Why does this issue matter to you personally or professionally?
• How might business, government, and/or nonprofit actors each play a role in addressing it?
• Where do you see yourself contributing within this cross-sector effort?

Essay II: Leadership in Action

Prompt: Tell us about a time you took initiative to create direction, solve a problem, or move others toward a shared goal. (250–300 words)

• What was the situation or challenge?
• What actions did you take?
• How did you influence or engage others?
• What did you learn about your leadership?

Essay III: Research Readiness

Prompt: As a Luther Hodges Scholar, you will engage in applied, evidence-based research on business and societal challenges.

Propose one research question you would be interested in exploring. Then describe (in 250–300 words) :

• Why this question matters
• What types of data or evidence you would need
• One method you might use to investigate it (e.g., interviews, data analysis, case study, etc.)
• A potential challenge in studying this issue

Short Answer Questions

1. Cross-Sector Exposure (100 words max)

Describe any experience you have had engaging with more than one sector (business, government, nonprofit, or academia). What did you learn?

2. Commitment Signal (100 words max)

LHS requires a significant time and experiential commitment. What other priorities will you need to manage, and how will you ensure full engagement?

Cross-Sector Internship Acknowledgement

(Please read carefully as there are no exceptions to this requirement.)

☐ I acknowledge that the Luther Hodges Scholars Program requires completion of a Cross-Sector Internship during the summer following the first semester in the program. If selected, I commit to fully participating in this experience during my sophomore summer. (More information on the Cross-Sector Internship can be found here).

The Luther Hodges Scholars application consists of three essay responses, two short answer questions, and an internship availability acknowledgement. See the items below. Responses to the questions must be comprehensive, yet concise.

Essay Responses

Essay I: Mission & Cross-Sector Orientation

Prompt: The Luther Hodges Scholars program develops future business leaders who address complex societal challenges through leadership, research, and cross-sector collaboration.

Describe a specific societal or economic challenge that matters to you. (250–300 words)

• Why does this issue matter to you personally or professionally?
• How might business, government, and/or nonprofit actors each play a role in addressing it?
• Where do you see yourself contributing within this cross-sector effort?

Essay II: Leadership in Action

Prompt: Tell us about a time you took initiative to create direction, solve a problem, or move others toward a shared goal. (250–300 words)

• What was the situation or challenge?
• What actions did you take?
• How did you influence or engage others?
• What did you learn about your leadership?

Essay III: Research Readiness

Prompt: As a Luther Hodges Scholar, you will engage in applied, evidence-based research on business and societal challenges.

Propose one research question you would be interested in exploring. Then describe (in 250–300 words) :

• Why this question matters
• What types of data or evidence you would need
• One method you might use to investigate it (e.g., interviews, data analysis, case study, etc.)
• A potential challenge in studying this issue

Short Answer Questions

1. Cross-Sector Exposure (100 words max)

Describe any experience you have had engaging with more than one sector (business, government, nonprofit, or academia). What did you learn?

2. Commitment Signal (100 words max)

LHS requires a significant time and experiential commitment. What other priorities will you need to manage, and how will you ensure full engagement?

Cross-Sector Internship Acknowledgement

(Please read carefully as there are no exceptions to this requirement.)

☐ I acknowledge that the Luther Hodges Scholars Program requires completion of a Cross-Sector Internship during the summer following the first semester in the program. If selected, I commit to fully participating in this experience during my sophomore summer. (More information on the Cross-Sector Internship can be found here).

How do I apply to Luther Hodges Scholars?

• Rising UNC sophomores applying to Kenan-Flagler Business School (as a Business Administration Major or Business Administration Minor) are eligible to apply to the Luther Hodges Scholars program. Applicants apply through the UNC Kenan-Flagler Undergraduate Business Program’s online application via ConnectCarolina.

When do I apply to Luther Hodges Scholars? Are transfer students eligible?

• The Luther Hodges Scholars application opens on June 15, the same date as for the Undergraduate Business Program. However, for students applying to Luther Hodges Scholars, the application deadline is August 10 at 9:00pm.

Can I pursue additional majors or minors outside of business as a Luther Hodges Scholar?

• Yes! Most Luther Hodges Scholars have more than one major and/or minor. The program welcomes students with various perspectives and backgrounds, such as those with a military-affiliation. The Luther Hodges Scholars program encourages students to explore business at the intersection of other academic and professional disciplines.

Can I apply for both Luther Hodges Scholars and TREBLE (formerly known as GLOBE)?

• No. Due to conflicting programmatic requirements, applicants can only apply to either Luther Hodges Scholars or TREBLE

Can I apply for Luther Hodges Scholars if I am a Morehead-Cain Scholarship recipient?

• No. Due to overlapping commitments, including time demands, scheduling, and programmatic expectations, simultaneous participation is not feasible.

What are the selection criteria for applicants?

• Luther Hodges Scholars seeks students with academic excellence, interest in research, and a desire to learn and work across the business, academic, policy and/or government sectors. Applicants should clearly explain their alignment with the mission of the Kenan Institute and Luther Hodges Scholars, highlight previous personal and professional experiences working towards the public good, and communicate their passion for becoming a leader who improves society.

How will my application be evaluated?

• A central question for reviewers is to what extent does the applicant demonstrate alignment between their interests and experiences and the program’s mission and core competencies. Another important question is to what extent is the applicant likely to have the bandwidth and capacity to full engage with the program’s required courses and programming.         

Are my responses to essay questions on the UBP application accessible to Luther Hodges Scholar application reviewers?

• No, reviewers only have access to Luther Hodges Scholar application responses and your resume. However, admission to Luther Hodges Scholars is contingent on admission to Kenan-Flagler.

Can Luther Hodges Scholars participate in Study Abroad?

• Yes! Scholars are eligible to complete Study Abroad experiences or Global Immersion Electives (GIEs) while in the program. However, scholars MUST be in-residence during the first semester of the program and be able to complete the in-person Cross-Sector Internship the following summer.  It is recommended to Study Abroad in fall of your junior year to avoid program scheduling conflicts.

What are the expectations and requirements of students accepted into the program? 

• Scholars engage in many different opportunities throughout their experience. Luther Hodges Scholars is a co-curricular program, offering students three academic courses (BUSI 120, BUSI 220, BUSI 221). These courses focus on the program’s core competencies (Leadership, Research & Cross-Sector Collaboration) and grant three total credit hours for scholars.
• Scholars also complete a fully funded, eight-week Cross-Sector Internship during the summer following sophomore year. Program staff provide placement, preparation, and support for this experience.
• In addition to coursework and internship experiences, scholars are provided personalized academic and professional coaching from program staff and engage in regular programming events hosted by both Luther Hodges Scholars and the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise.

What careers or other pursuits do Luther Hodges Scholars embark upon after graduation?

• Our graduates pursue a variety of opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Program alumni are currently working across the globe in business areas such as consulting, investment banking, marketing, sales, and operations. In addition, we have alumni working in non-profits, research institutes, state, local, and federal government, and completing graduate studies. Luther Hodges Scholars is committed to supporting our students’ academic, personal and professional goals.