U.S. Students Earn Prestigious 2026 Rhodes Scholarships

A total of 32 American students have been awarded the distinguished 2026 Rhodes Scholarships, recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to various social issues. Among the recipients are five students from U.S. military academies and three each from Yale University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This prestigious scholarship enables them to pursue two to three years of graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

The selected scholars are focused on a range of impactful fields, including housing, health outcomes, sustainability, and prison reentry programs. Notable among the winners is Alice L. Hall from Philadelphia. A varsity basketball player at MIT, Hall also serves as the student body president. She has collaborated with a women’s collective in Ghana to develop sustainability tools and intends to further her studies in engineering.

Another recipient, Sydney E. Barta from Arlington, Virginia, is a Paralympian and a member of the track team at Stanford University. Studying bioengineering, Barta also contributes to the Stanford a cappella group “Counterpoint.” She plans to focus her studies on musculoskeletal sciences.

Additionally, Anirvin Puttur from Gilbert, Arizona, is a senior at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Serving as an instructor pilot and flight commander, Puttur is pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering and applied mathematics. His interests extend to linguistics, and he is proficient in four languages.

Established in 1903 by Cecil John Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarship program has produced over 8,000 alumni, many of whom have excelled in government, education, the arts, and social justice. Each year, the program grants more than 100 scholarships worldwide, reflecting its commitment to nurturing leaders who strive to effect change in their communities.

The announcement of this year’s scholars underscores the ongoing dedication of these students to address critical global challenges through education and research. As they prepare for their studies at Oxford, these scholars are poised to contribute significantly to their fields and society at large.