Asian studies

2 Fletcher students named Luce Scholars

Two students at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy have been awarded grants from the 2002-03 Luce Scholars Program, which provides stipends and internships for young Americans to live and work in Asia each year.

Ben Ball and Paul Olivera, both F02, were among 18 students nationwide to receive the Luce awards. The other recipients attend Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Penn, Chicago, Emory, Johns Hopkins, Cal Tech, Rice, Northwestern, Vassar, Williams, Virginia and the University of North Carolina.

Started in 1974, the program's purpose is to increase awareness of Asia among future leaders in American society. Luce Scholar candidates are nominated by 67 colleges and universities. Finalists interview with the Luce Foundation and one of three selection panels. Placements and support services for the Luce Scholars are provided by the Asia Foundation, an organization with field offices throughout Asia.

The scholars work in Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.