Schwarzman Scholars Program funds graduate study in China

In 2017, the first cohort of Schwarzman Scholars graduated from Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious schools. Each fully funded student earned a master’s degree in global affairs, with concentrations in public policy, economics and business, or international studies.

Four of those students—Aaron Goldstein, Angela Chen, Daniel Goldstern, and Ryan Marschang—were Penn graduates. Accepted into this year’s Schwarzman Scholars Program, which will begin in the fall, is Eric Tse, who recently graduated from the Wharton School.

Stephen Schwarzman, CEO and co-founder of Blackstone, and a native of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., donated $100 million to create the program, and is leading a campaign to raise $300 million more to fully endow it.

Open to current students or recent graduates up to age 28, the program “is a great opportunity,” says Wallace Genser, from Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF). “They not only earn a master’s in global affairs, but they do a job practicum while they’re over there, working in China in their chosen industry, and they’re mentored outside of that experience, too. It’s a great idea for people who are going to be involved in China’s growing role in the world.”

The program isn’t solely for those affiliated with Penn. In fact, students from across the world—working in politics, business, or science—can apply. The Schwarzman Scholars Program website says up to 200 people each year are accepted. The program has, though, formed a partnership with Penn, as well as other leading universities and corporations, to help develop it further. 

CURF’s website outlines all the information Penn students and alumni should be aware of when applying to the program. To enroll in the program for next year, the Penn deadline is Sept. 4, 2018, for current undergraduate applicants who are U.S. citizens or citizens of any other country except China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao (those students should apply by April 30, 2018). 

“CURF is very much happy to help students with the application process, for consultation and support throughout the process,” says Genser. “Contact us early; reach out and learn about the program.”

Schwarzman will come to campus on Thursday, April 5, for a discussion about the program with Wharton School Dean Geoffrey Garrett from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Huntsman Hall. Previous Penn Schwarzman Scholars will also attend. 

Immediately following the conversation will be an information session with Rob Garris, global director of admissions for the Schwarzman Scholars Program.