Laureates and Leaders
L&L Class of 2026 (Senior Celebration)
The Laureates & Leaders program is a graduate school initiative designed to encourage and support students, including those who are first-generation and from lower socio-economic backgrounds, in their quest to achieve a doctoral degree.
The application for Fall 2026 admittance into Laureates & Leaders is now open. Laureates & Leaders will be admitting sophomores interested in a PhD, MD, or MD-PhD program, and juniors interested in a PhD program. Applications will close on Sunday, September 20th, 2026.
Please email laureatesleaders [at] mit.edu with any questions.
Laureates and Leaders is designed to encourage highly motivated and talented sophomore and junior students, including those who are first-generation and from lower socio-economic backgrounds during their pursuit of a graduate degree; specifically STEM PhD, MD, or MD-PhD programs. Students are identified by their interests in advanced studies and by their strong academic records at MIT. Laureates & Leaders is open to all students regardless of race, gender, sex, ethnicity, and national origin.
Throughout the students' remaining undergraduate years, members have access to:
- Specialized graduate school workshops
- Career mentorship opportunities
- One-on-one advising
- Community-building events and social gatherings
- Professional development funding and other program resources
Responsibilities of Laureates and Leaders’ students include:
- Maintain a competitive GPA
- Remain in the program from sophomore or junior year until graduation
- Perform and present research
- Attend monthly workshops and events
- Meet with a faculty mentor and Laureates and Leaders' staff
Apply to graduate school
Class of 2023
2022 Senior Celebration group photo
Laureates and Leaders Class of 2022
Laureates & Leaders Class of 2020. Photograph by Iaritza Menjivar
Laureates & Leaders Class of 2021. Photograph by Iaritza Menjivar
