SMU Tower Scholars
October 7, 2025
Investing in the Next Generation of Policymakers: Endowing the Tower Scholars Undergraduate Program
In 2014, NexPoint Philanthropies worked with the Tower Center to create a dedicated undergraduate program that carries out the center’s mission of bridging the gap between the scholarship and practice of politics and striving to inspire ethical public service. NexPoint Philanthropy’s grant established an endowment that provides long-term funding for the Tower Scholars Program.
A hallmark of the program is its interdisciplinary focus. Over 75% of the Tower Scholars either earned or are pursuing more than one major—and that is in addition to the minor they earn in the program. Outside the classroom, each student is involved in multiple on-campus organizations, many in leadership positions.
NexPoint Philanthropy’s gift makes possible the unique academic experiences—from meeting with global leaders, to working on real policy issues for major corporations—offered to the Tower Scholars. The program accepts 10 students each year, and recently welcomed its eighth cohort.
About the SMU Tower Scholars Program
The Southern Methodist University (“SMU”) Tower Scholars Program provides top undergraduate students with an opportunity to integrate public policy and international affairs into their studies through a dedicated curriculum of academic coursework and real-world experiences. Students in the program receive a minor in public policy and international affairs, offered through SMU’s John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies (the “Tower Center”).
"The Tower Scholar Program’s resources and curriculum allow me to not only learn public policy principles through lectures, but also gain tactile experience with practicums and classes taught by policy practitioners. Without this program, I would have been unable to experience and explore my interest in public policy.” – Tower Scholar, Class of 2020
Contact Us
Want to get in touch with our team? Reach out or fill out the following form to contact NexPoint Philanthropies.
team@nexpointphilanthropies.com