Exeter alumna chosen for prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship
Maya Prakash, who studied at Exeter College through the Williams‑Exeter Programme in Oxford (WEPO) during the 2024–25 academic year, has been awarded a prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship – one of the most competitive postgraduate fellowships in the world.
A senior at Williams College, Maya studies Economics and Comparative Literature. She is among a select group of up to 200 global leaders chosen each year for the fully funded Schwarzman Scholars programme, a one‑year Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing designed to prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate complex international issues. The programme fosters deep engagement with China’s role in global affairs through rigorous academic coursework, leadership development, and immersive cultural experiences. Scholars live and study together at Schwarzman College, take part in field seminars across China, and benefit from mentorship, workshops, and access to senior global figures and policymaking institutions.
Alongside core courses in global affairs, leadership, and China’s political and economic landscape, participants tailor their studies with electives and complete a capstone project that synthesises research and practical insight. The scholarship covers tuition and fees, room and board, travel to and from Beijing, books and supplies, health insurance, and a living stipend, ensuring scholars can focus fully on learning and engagement.
At Williams, Maya led the Williams Record’s opinions section and interned at The Washington Post, experiences that shaped her interest in journalism and international dialogue. As a Schwarzman Scholar, she hopes to deepen her understanding of the U.S.–India–China dynamic and foster more informed public discourse through opinion journalism and global engagement.
An Indian‑American raised in Singapore and Hong Kong, Maya brings a truly international perspective to her work. Exeter College warmly congratulates her on this outstanding recognition and looks forward to her continued impact on global conversations.
