The Lally Scholars Program follows a simple structure.
First, every Scholar completes five foundational commitments. These shared experiences help build the cohort and ensure that each Scholar develops a strong base in leadership, AI, professional growth, and applied work.
Second, each Scholar chooses at least four elective engagements. These options allow students to shape the program around their academic interests, career goals, and personal strengths.
Third, every Scholar completes a final capstone. The capstone brings the student’s work together in one substantial project and is presented at the annual Lally Scholars Symposium.
Finally, each Scholar graduates with the Lally Scholars Achievement Record, an official verified credential that documents the student’s completed experiences and the competencies gained.
The five foundational commitments
Every Lally Scholar completes five core commitments.
AI Academy Sprint
Scholars participate in a thirty-day AI Academy sprint, working in teams to build and present an AI-powered solution. This experience gives students hands-on exposure to artificial intelligence, product thinking, teamwork, and applied innovation.
Lally Scholars Society
Scholars join the Lally Scholars Society, a cohort-based community that connects students with peers, faculty, alumni, and school events. Through the Society, Scholars represent Lally and help shape the culture of the program.
Engagement and leadership role
Each Scholar takes on a substantive engagement or leadership role. This may include leading a student team, mentoring peers, organizing an event, serving as a Lally Ambassador, or contributing to the school community in a visible way.
Professional milestone
Scholars complete a professional milestone such as earning an industry certification, presenting at a conference, participating in an externship, or completing a job shadow. This requirement helps students connect classroom learning to career readiness.
Capstone
In the final year, every Scholar completes a capstone that brings together the work completed through the program. The capstone may grow from faculty research, an entrepreneurial venture, investment fund work, a consulting project, or another approved experience.
Choose your path
After completing the foundational commitments, Scholars choose at least four elective engagements. At least one must be an in-depth option that requires significant time, responsibility, and reflection.
Elective experiences may include:
Faculty research
James Student-Managed Investment Fund
Study abroad
Entrepreneurial venture
Corporate immersion
Club leadership
Case competition
Industry field trip
Community outreach
Extra certification
Pro bono consulting
Published writing
This structure gives students both guidance and flexibility. A student interested in finance may focus on the investment fund, research, and industry certifications. A student interested in entrepreneurship may build a venture, join the AI Academy, publish writing, and complete a capstone around a new product. A student interested in global business may combine study abroad, corporate immersion, leadership, and research.
The path is personal, but the standard is shared. Every Scholar must do the work.
