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 2025 (first semester in program)
• Must be available to complete a Cross-Sector Internship during summer 2025

NOTE: Admission to Luther Hodges Scholars is contingent on admission to Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Applications for the Luther Hodges Scholars (LHS) program open June 15, 2024. The application is accessible through the Kenan-Flagler Business School application via ConnectCarolina. The application deadline is August 12, 2024. The application closing date (for LHS and KFBS) is earlier for those applying to the program than for LHS non-applicants.

Below is a timeline of the application process:

The Luther Hodges Scholars application consists of three essay questions and a checkbox acknowledgement. See the items below. Responses to the questions must be comprehensive, yet concise. 

Essay I:

The Luther Hodges Scholars program is housed in UNC’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and shares its mission to promote innovative market-based solutions to vital economic and societal challenges with professionals across academia and the public and private sectors.

The mission of the Luther Hodges Scholars program is to develop future business leaders capable of working across the public and private sectors using their business skills and knowledge for the public good.

Which aspects of the Luther Hodges Scholar program’s mission and/or the Kenan Institute’s mission appeal to you? In your response, please reference particular events, programs, or initiatives of the Luther Hodges Scholars program or the Kenan Institute. (250-300 words).

Essay II:

The Luther Hodges Scholars program develops mission-driven, impactful future business professionals using a competency-based framework that focuses on leadership development, research, and cross-sector collaboration.

What personal or professional achievement related to addressing the public good and making an impact are you most proud of, and why? In your response, refer to specific business-related skills you used in this effort. (250-300 words).

Essay III:

The Kenan Institute achieves its mission through its convenings, translational research, and centers and initiatives such as NCGrowth, the Luther Hodges Scholars program,  the American Growth Project, and its Empowering American Cities collaboration with FifthThird Bank. As a Luther Hodges Scholar, you will have the opportunity to undertake research on an economic or societal problem related to business using evidence-based, data-driven research methods.

Please provide 2-3 possible research questions you would be interested in exploring as a Luther Hodges Scholar. Consult this GUIDE to develop well-written research questions.

Note: If you are accepted into the program, you will not be obligated to conduct research on these topics.

Cross-Sector Internship Acknowledgement (Please read carefully as there are no exceptions to this requirement.)

☐ I acknowledge that the Luther Hodges Scholars program requires students to complete a Cross-Sector Internship during the summer following their first semester in the program. If accepted into the program, I commit to undertaking this experience during my sophomore summer. (More information on the Cross-Sector Internship can be found here.)

For a PDF version of the application, click 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 12.

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.

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.

For a PDF version of the FAQs, click here.