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Rhodes Scholars Class of 2026 include 32 Americans, 3 from Rhode Island
Dr. Ramona L. Doyle, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, announced the names of the 32 Americans chosen as 2026 Rhodes Scholars, one of the most prestigious academic honors available to U.S. college graduates. The Scholars will begin fully funded postgraduate study at the University of Oxford in England in October 2026.
This year’s class was selected by 16 independent U.S. selection committees, which met simultaneously across the country on Saturday to interview 238 finalists. Nearly 2,800 students began the application process, and 965 candidates received formal endorsements from their colleges and universities. The endorsed applicants represented more than 264 different institutions.
A Class Shaped by Excellence, Leadership, and Service
The 2026 U.S. Rhodes Scholars represent 22 unique colleges and universities, including three institutions that had not had a U.S. Rhodes Scholar in over 25 years: Colby College, Rutgers University, and George Washington University. The Scholars have achieved exceptional academic records across the humanities, social sciences, and physical and life sciences. They also demonstrate remarkable leadership, public service, and creativity.
Among this year’s Scholars-elect are:
• Three student body presidents and two local public officials
• An aspiring physician who helped build an eye bank in Ukraine
• A Paralympic athlete who is also a bioengineer and advocate for athletes with disabilities
• An aeronautical engineer fluent in four languages who plays piano, guitar, and drums
• An international affairs scholar who paints portraits and competes in triathlons
The cohort will pursue graduate studies across the humanities, social sciences, and natural
sciences. In addition to their academic distinction, they are recognized for remarkable
leadership, creativity, and commitment to public service.
A Global Community of Scholars
The 32 Rhodes Scholars selected from the United States will join Scholars chosen from 25 other Rhodes jurisdictions worldwide, along with two Global Rhodes Scholars, forming an international cohort of just over 100 Scholars. With today’s announcements, 3,706 Americans have received Rhodes Scholarships since the first U.S. class in 1904, representing 329 colleges and universities. Since women became eligible in 1976, 689 American women have received the award. More than 2,100 American Rhodes Scholars are living today in communities across the United States and around the world.
From Rhode Island:
Also – Representing Texas, District 8 is Keidy L. Palma Ramirez El Paso, is a senior at Brown University.
To see the full list and recipients in all Districts:
About Yael S. Goldstein – Goldstein, of Barrington, is a senior at Harvard University completing a major in Philosophy. Yael’s senior thesis examines philosophical justifications for a right to housing, and she has worked extensively on housing issues while an undergraduate, including as a guest services director and case manager at the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter. Yael is an accomplished musician who performs oboe and English horn with the Harvard Bach Society Orchestra. She also volunteers as a classical music host for Harvard’s student radio station. At Oxford, Yael intends to pursue the B.Phil. in Philosophy.
Nicholas G. Sanzi – Sanzi, of Providence, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University in May of 2025 with a B.Sc. in International and Public Affairs. He was the Managing Editor for the Brown Journal of World Affairs and is currently a legislative intern with Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Nicholas paints portraiture and has filmed multiple funded video journalism projects, including a documentary on graffiti artists in France and a short film about an Afghan refugee in Providence, R.I. He is a triathlete. At Oxford, he intends to read for the M.Phil. in Politics.
Representing Texas, District 8 is Keidy L. Palma Ramirez El Paso, is a senior at Brown University, pursuing a double major in Education Studies and Social Analysis and Research. Keidy is a campus leader in advocating for immigrant and refugee students and peer counselor and tutor at Brown and in the surrounding community. Keidy served as an intern in the office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and was awarded the Royce Fellowship to support an original project focused on youth living along the US-Mexico border. At Oxford, Keidy will pursue the M.Sc. in Migration Studies and the M.Sc. in Social Data Science.
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About the Rhodes Scholarship
Established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most recognized international academic awards. The Scholarship provides full financial support for two to three years of study at Oxford and may extend to a fourth year, depending on the degree program. It is funded in partnership with the Second Century Founders, John McCall MacBain O.C., The Atlantic Philanthropies, and many other generous benefactors.
According to Dr. Doyle, the criteria outlined in Cecil Rhodes’ Will remain central to the selection process: “Academic excellence is essential, but it is only the beginning. A Rhodes Scholar should demonstrate ambition for social impact, strong leadership, empathy for others, and an acute awareness of inequities. The Trust seeks Scholars of exceptional character who are committed to making a profound difference in the world. A Rhodes Scholar should show great promise of leadership and character, as well as an exceptionally strong commitment to service.”
U.S. applicants may apply either through their state of legal residence or the state where they have studied for at least two years. Each district committee selects two Scholars. The estimated annual value of a Rhodes Scholarship is approximately $75,000, with total support of up to $250,000 depending on program length and field of study.
The award covers:
• All Oxford University fees
• A living stipend
• Travel to and from Oxford
• Research, conference, or additional academic support where applicable