Press Release
The Rhodes Trust is pleased to announce that effective 2016, all U.S.
citizens and certain legal permanent residents of the United States who
attend universities within the U.S. Territories (American Samoa, Guam,
Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) will
become eligible for the first time to participate in the U.S. Rhodes Scho-
larship competition. Previously, the United States Rhodes Scholarships
were only available to students who either resided in or attended univer-
sity in one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia.
Starting in 2016, all students and institutions within U.S. states and terri-
tories will be able to observe the same rules and guidelines in place for
U.S. applicants. More information regarding the scholarships and the new-
ly implemented rule change will be made available on our website at: www.
rhodesscholar.org
Elliot Gerson, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust said, “I am deligh-
ted that the Rhodes Trustees have agreed to this change in our rules of eli-
gibility. Our former policy originated because the Last Will and Testament
of Cecil J. Rhodes assigned his scholarships to the states of the United Sta-
tes and not to the United States as a whole.”
Hila Levy, the only Puerto Rican resident to receive a Rhodes Scholarship,
thanks to her attendance at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, was
excited to work with the Trust for this rule change. Now back at Oxford for
doctoral studies following service in the active duty Air Force, she stated,
“Though I knew of the rule limitations for territory residents in applying,
when I was elected in 2008, I was truly surprised and honored by the mile-
stone I was achieving. Now, years later, I am thrilled to see a push for equal
opportunity in higher education forged by the Trustees and the American Se-
cretary.”
About Rhodes Scholarships
Established in 1902, the Rhodes is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigi-
ous international graduate scholarship program in the world. A class of 89
Scholars is selected each year from 32 countries, representing men and wo-
men from diverse backgrounds who show potential to be leaders for the wor-
ld’s future. The Rhodes Trust provides full financial support for Rhodes Sch-
olars to pursue a degree or degrees at the University of Oxford in the United
Kingdom in partnership with the Second Century Founder, John McCall Mac
Bain and other generous benefactors. Selection committees in each Rhodes
constituency are comprised of Rhodes alumni and distinguished non-Scholar
members of the community. Per the Will of Cecil Rhodes, applicants will be
selected based on (but not limited to) outstanding scholastic achievement,
moral force of character, leadership, and commitment to service.
Contact
To learn more about this announcement, please contact
The Rhodes Trust
Office of the American Secretary
8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 240
Vienna, Virginia 22182
Office: (703) 821-5960
Email: admin@rhodesscholar.org
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