Thirty-four outstanding high school seniors have received prestigious and highly competitive Jefferson Scholarships to pursue their undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia.

The Jefferson Scholarship covers the full cost of attending UVA for four years of study. In addition, the scholarship provides a number of enrichment programs, including a two-week summer leadership development conference, team-building workshops, a travel studies program and career networking opportunities.

Candidates for the Jefferson Scholarship undergo a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. First they must be nominated by their high schools based on their demonstrated excellence and potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship and citizenship. Regional UVA alumni selection committees then interview the nominees. Those selected as regional finalists are invited to take part in the Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend, a four-day competition in Charlottesville that includes seminar discussions, an essay and mathematics examination, and a final round of interviews led by UVA alumni. In all, 793 alumni took part in the selection process, assisting the foundation in selecting the Jefferson Scholars Class of 2020.  

This year, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation received approximately 1,825 nominations from high schools across the globe. One hundred-eighteen finalists were chosen to attend the Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend. 

The Class of 2020 Jefferson Scholars come from 20 states and two foreign countries and boast an impressive record of leadership inside and outside the classroom. They have held leadership positions in student government, athletics, music, journalism, theater and competitive debate, among other activities. In addition, they have been actively involved in community-based initiatives, founded new organizations and been exemplary students in the classroom.

Next year they will join the 102 Jefferson Scholars currently on Grounds and over 1,200 Jefferson Scholar nominees who enrolled as undergraduates at the University in the last four years.

For a complete list of the incoming Jefferson Scholars, click here.