Rebeca Costa, a graduate of the Psychology program at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP), has been selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar to pursue a master’s degree at Stanford University in the United States.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive graduate scholarship programs. Each year, it brings together students with outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to creating positive impact in their communities. Rebeca is part of the 2026 cohort, composed of 87 students from 31 countries and recognized as the most international cohort in the history of the program. PUCP is one of only 23 universities outside the United States represented in this year’s edition.
Rebeca’s selection recognizes a trajectory defined by education, research, and social commitment, particularly in areas related to rural education and the creation of opportunities for communities across Peru.
During her studies at PUCP, Rebeca achieved the highest academic performance in her Psychology class and developed a strong interest in education, research, and community-based work. In recent years, she has worked on rural education projects at the Group for the Analysis of Development (GRADE), conducting fieldwork in communities across the Peruvian Andes and Amazon in collaboration with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Porticus, and the Old Dart Foundation. Her work has focused on analyzing the educational trajectories of students in rural contexts and the challenges they face in accessing and remaining within the education system.
She also contributed to the development of recommendations alongside the UNESCO Institute for Statistics aimed at improving educational data reporting systems from Global South countries for Sustainable Development Goal 4.1.1, related to access to education.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Rebeca has received several recognitions for academic excellence and research. In addition, she is a certified crisis response agent, an experience that complements her broader interest in wellbeing and supporting individuals across different contexts.
Her interest in education stems from a close understanding of the country’s diverse realities and from the conviction that access to educational opportunities can transform lives and open new possibilities for thousands of people.
At Stanford University, Rebeca will pursue a master’s degree in Global and Comparative Education at the Stanford Graduate School of Education. Her goal is to analyze and compare rural education systems and to design frameworks and strategies that support educational continuity, smoother transitions, and more diverse student pathways.
Stanford University is among the world’s leading universities and ranks third in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars provides up to three years of full funding for graduate studies at Stanford, including tuition, living expenses, academic materials, and travel support. In addition, through the King Global Leadership Program, scholars participate in workshops, talks, projects, and experiences that complement their graduate education and strengthen their development as multidisciplinary leaders capable of driving meaningful change.
Rebeca’s story reflects how a strong academic foundation, combined with commitment and purpose, can open opportunities in globally recognized academic spaces. Her trajectory inspires new generations to trust in their potential and continue building pathways from Peru to the world.
