African student sitting in classroom. Male student smiling during the lecture in high school classroom.
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship: Empowering Socially-Oriented Leaders
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious graduate scholarship program designed to support visionary leaders with a passion for addressing global challenges. Established in 2013, the scholarship is a joint initiative between the University of Oxford and the Pershing Square Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded by Bill Ackman and Karen Ackman.
The scholarship program offers full funding for both tuition and living expenses for exceptional individuals who wish to pursue a one-year MBA at Oxford‘s Saïd Business School, combined with a fully funded Master’s degree in a complementary field, such as Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or Social Entrepreneurship. This unique and innovative program enables students to acquire both the business acumen and the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to address complex global problems and drive social change.
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship is highly selective, with only five scholarships awarded each year. Applicants are assessed based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to creating a positive impact on society. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges facing the world today and the ability to develop innovative solutions.
One of the key features of the scholarship program is the Pershing Square Foundation’s mentorship and leadership development program. Scholars benefit from ongoing support and guidance from the Foundation’s network of accomplished business leaders, entrepreneurs, and social innovators. They also have access to a wide range of opportunities, including internships, networking events, and leadership workshops, aimed at fostering their personal and professional growth and expanding their impact on society.
The Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship has already produced a number of outstanding alumni who are making significant contributions to their respective fields. For example, Victor Roy, a 2016 Pershing Square Scholar, founded a social enterprise called ‘LeapForWord,’ which provides access to education for underprivileged children in India. Another scholar, Chen Chen, founded ‘Herdly,’ a digital platform that connects rural livestock farmers in China with urban consumers, promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development.
In conclusion, the Scholarship is a unique opportunity for socially-oriented leaders who are passionate about creating positive change in the world. Through its innovative curriculum, mentorship program, and networking opportunities, the scholarship empowers individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to address global challenges and drive social impact. As the world faces increasingly complex problems, programs like the Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of visionary leaders who will shape a better future for all.
