Co-founded in 2000 by philanthropist Shelby Davis and international educator Phil Geier, the Davis United World College Scholars Program was initiated to help “support exceptional students so they can access outstanding higher education opportunities in the United states”, and to help “transform U.S. colleges and universities into more globally engaged spaces that benefit students from all backgrounds.”
The College of Idaho has been a proud partner with the Davis UWC Scholars Program since August 2006, enrolling its first cohort enrolling in the fall 2007. Since then, nearly 400 United World College graduates have matriculated at The College of Idaho as Davis Scholars, representing 110 different countries. Every United World College campus has been represented during that time as well. Graduates have served in a number of different professions, including founder of a human resources business in Sarajevo, to engineers at Ford Motor Company in both Dearborn, MI and London, England, and Director of Software Engineering for Fortress Information Security to name a few.
Davis UWC Scholars matriculating at The College of Idaho have an astounding 95% retention rate from freshman year to sophomore year, and nearly 90% graduate in four years. Their cumulative GPA during their college career is a 3.15, with most popular majors being in the fields of Business, International Political Economy (International Relations), Biology/Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, and Environmental Studies.
As a partner of the Davis UWC Scholars program, The College of Idaho meets 100% of demonstrated need through scholarships and financial aid. The aid package is a combination of institutional financial aid and scholarship support from the Davis UWC Scholars program. Please note: only students who graduate from a United World College are eligible to receive a Davis UWC Scholarship.
UWC students or recent graduates who are applying to The College of Idaho should reach out directly to Office of Admission for more information on the application process.
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Hendren Hall
For 17 years straight, the College has had a proposal selected for funding by the Katherine Davis Foundation. In Summer 2024, Roxi Morales Velazco ‘25, Maria Esther Manzanares ‘26, and Fernando Barrios ’24 embarked on a midwifery mission in Mexico. In the prior summer, Jahona Akbarova ’23, Karina Azam ‘26, and Kelvin Sakyi ’24 helped an orphanage in a remote part of Tajikistan. Hear more about their project.
The moment I set foot in college, I knew that I needed more than just an education; I craved a sense of belonging and community. Fortunately, The College of Idaho provided me with exactly that – a tight-knit, supportive YoteFam of faculty and students who were dedicated to helping me reach my full potential. The people here take a leap of faith in each other, lifting each other up and celebrating their differences.
B.A. in Business Administration and Computer Science with a minor in Theatre.
I chose The College of Idaho because of its tight-knit community. I always wanted to study in a college where I could know my professors and have face-to-face interactions with my peers. I recall my first phone call with my admissions counselor. Despite the fact that I was on a Zoom call in China, he introduced me to classmates and took me around campus with his phone. It was a life-changing experience as I made the decision to enter this prominent institute.
B.A in Business Administration with minors in Communication and Health Promotion and a specialization in Finance.
What I’ve come to appreciate the most is the diverse atmosphere present at the College. Serving as the AFRO Club President, I was able to offer a safe environment that celebrated culture and inclusivity for our students while also improving my personal leadership skills. Through all of this, the Davis UWC scholarship has been transformative in my experience as I have been able to immerse myself in my studies and campus involvement, while also pursuing excellence above all.
B.A in Business Administration and International Political Economy with minors in Communication and Environmental Studies.
I wanted a small college where I could develop an intimate relationship with my peers and professors, rather than being just a name and number. I also wanted a college that would be relatively close to the outdoors as this was an opportunity to go camping and see nature. All of this was only possible through the College giving me the scholarship. I, and many others like me, could not afford to attend if not for the gracious scholarships, which have genuinely changed my life for the better.
B.A. in Business Administration and Political Economy with minors in Natural Science and Philosophy.
My biggest achievement is the fact that I have been able to grow as a leader in many different areas and improve my social-building skills because of The College of Idaho. I do not think this would be possible without the scholarship I received to come to the College. The Davis UWC Scholarship has allowed me to remain focused on my studies without worrying about my financial position with the College. I am forever grateful.
B.A. in Business Administration with minors in Communication, Legal Psychology and Natural Sciences and a specialization in Pre-Law. May 2024 Graduation Speaker.
College is an investment in your future, your purpose, your potential — in you. At The College of Idaho, we’re committed to making that investment one you can afford. Start your journey with us today!