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Joly Family Scholarship

The Joly Family Scholarship supports outstanding students dedicated to using their skills and education to make a positive difference in the world and promote international understanding, specifically through fostering transatlantic relationships between France and the United States.

The Joly Family Scholarship was established by Hubert Joly, former Chairman and CEO of Best Buy and Harvard Business School professor, and Hortense le Gentil, executive leadership coach, speaker, and author, to support their mission of creating positive impact in the world through purpose-driven leadership, using business as a force for good, and promoting education. Equally at home in France and the United States, Hubert and Hortense are deeply committed to enhancing Franco-American collaboration. 

Eligibility

To qualify as a candidate, applicants must:

Be a French citizen currently enrolled at Sciences Po (2A) and pursuing their full-year study abroad (3A) in one of Sciences Po partner universities located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Eligible Partner Institutions: Barnard College, City College of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, Fordham University, NYU Stern, Princeton, Rutgers University, Sarah Lawrence College, Stony Brook University, Syracuse University, Trinity College, Vassar College, Wesleyan University, Boston College, Boston University, Hampshire College, M.I.T., Mount Holyoke College, Northeastern University, Smith College, Tufts University, Wellesley College.

Or be an American citizen, currently enrolled in a Sciences Po partner university in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and pursuing an undergraduate exchange at Sciences Po campuses in Paris or Reims, either for one semester or a full academic year.

Eligible Partner Institutions: Barnard College, City College of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, Fordham University, NYU Stern, Princeton, Rutgers University, Sarah Lawrence College, Stony Brook University, Syracuse University, Trinity College, Vassar College, Wesleyan University, Boston College, Boston University, Hampshire College, M.I.T., Mount Holyoke College, Northeastern University, Smith College, Tufts University, Wellesley College.
 

Scholarship Amount

  • The Joly Family Scholarship for French students (Sciences Po students pursuing their third year abroad in an eligible university) carries a monetary value of $12,000 per academic year.
  • The Joly Family Scholarship for American students (from one of Sciences Po eligible partner universities) carries a monetary value of $4,500 per academic semester ($9,000 per academic year).

This scholarship cannot be combined with another mobility grant managed by Sciences Po.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Leadership potential and commitment to making a difference in the world
  • Commitment to fostering mutual understanding and relationship between France and the U.S.

Application Process

Please submit the following application materials to the Sciences Po American Foundation (scholarship@usscpo.org):

  • Complete the online candidate information form 
  • An essay highlighting what sets you apart as a deserving recipient of this scholarship, and how you intend to carry forward its legacy. You are encouraged to include personal experiences, achievements and aspirations- especially those reflecting the impact you aspire to make in the world and your commitment to nurturing mutual understanding between France and the U.S. (500 words, in English or in French)
  • Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or professional mentor, including the recommender's name, title, affiliation and contact information as a potential reference (in English or in French)
    • If your reference is unable to send you the letter, please have them send it to scholarship@usscpo.org using the following:
      • Email subject: Last Name of the student-- Reference letter/ Joly Family Scholarship
      • Document should be named: STUDENTLASTNAME_STUDENTFIRSTNAME_REFERENCELETTER_JOLYSCHOLARSHIP
  • Transcripts covering the past 18 months, including the complete previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
  • CV detailing educational background and extracurricular activities (in English or in French)

Please submit the following application materials to the Sciences Po American Foundation (scholarship@usscpo.org):

  • Complete the online candidate information form 
  • An essay highlighting what sets you apart as a deserving recipient of this scholarship, and how you intend to carry forward its legacy. You are encouraged to include personal experiences, achievements and aspirations- especially those reflecting the impact you aspire to make in the world and your commitment to nurturing mutual understanding between France and the U.S. (500 words, in English or in French)
  • Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or professional mentor, including the recommender's name, title, affiliation and contact information as a potential reference (in English or in French)
    • If your reference is unable to send you the letter, please have them send it to scholarship@usscpo.org using the following:
      • Email subject: Last Name of the student-- Reference letter/ Joly Family Scholarship
      • Document should be named: STUDENTLASTNAME_STUDENTFIRSTNAME_REFERENCELETTER_JOLYSCHOLARSHIP
  • Transcripts covering the past 18 months, including the complete previous academic year and the first semester of the current academic year.
  • CV detailing educational background and extracurricular activities (in English or in French)

Please send materials as one compiled pdf document. We will not consider your application otherwise.

Interviews & Selection

Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with the Joly Family Scholarship Selection Committee via zoom. The interview will involve a discussion of the student’s aspirations, as well as his or her application materials. The selection committee will designate the laureates of the Joly Family Scholarship shortly thereafter.

The Joly Family Scholarship Selection Committee is composed of several panelists, with one representative from each of the following organizations : the Joly family, Sciences Po and the Sciences Po American Foundation. 

Timeline

  • Application deadline: May 14, 2025
  • Pre-selection decision for candidates: week of June 2, 2025
  • Finalist interviews: week of June 16, 2025

Convening and Networking

Recipients are expected to participate in a summit held in New York City in May 2026, offering opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

Contact Information

For any questions, please contact the Sciences Po American Foundation scholarship@usscpo.org or the Centre for the Americas.