NTC Junior awarded prestigious Voyager Scholarship, sets sights on future career in public service

Juliane Kwong, a Newcomb-Tulane College junior majoring in psychology and political science and minoring in homeland security, has been selected for the 2025-2027 cohort of the Voyager Scholarship Program. The program selects students who demonstrate a passion for helping others, have experience serving in or building community and possess an expansive view of what’s possible through public service. Along with financial support, the Voyager Scholarship also includes a prestigious two-year leadership program. 

Juliane, of Newport Beach, California, saw this scholarship as an opportunity to intentionally connect her academic research and experience with a global understanding and real-world impact. “While my academic background and research have given me tools to analyze systemic issues locally, I see this award as an opportunity to learn from international approaches to juvenile justice, prison reform and social policy.” 

After graduation, Juliane plans to go to law school to pursue a career in criminal defense, specializing in juvenile justice. Eventually, she plans to use this experience in the legal system to aid her research in recidivism studies to investigate how rehabilitation can best function in U.S. prison systems. “I hope to improve and expand rehabilitative services offered to juvenile offenders, specifically first-time offenders. This includes mental health assistance, literacy programs and vocational trainings.”

This award will provide Juliane with up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid. “Last dollar” financial aid will cover the remaining educational expenses for her junior and senior years of college. The last-dollar approach builds on other financial aid programs and helps ensure students can pursue a career in public service without the burden of student debt. She will also receive a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between her junior and senior years. After Juliane graduates, Airbnb will provide her with additional credits every year for 10 years. This will allow her to continue to broaden her horizons and forge new connections throughout her public service career. The program also connects students with a network of leaders and mentors dedicated to helping ensure the next generation of leaders have the resources and tools necessary to launch their careers in public service.

In addition to classroom learning, Juliane has conducted hands-on research as part of her work in the Social Perception Lab, studying prejudice and discrimination. She’s also gained practical skills from working with the Judicial Administration’s Office at the Louisiana Supreme Court. “I observed the justice system firsthand, which strengthened my understanding of legal proceedings and systemic flaws within the state. These experiences have fueled my passion for serving the New Orleans community, motivating me to address social and legal inequalities and work toward meaningful reforms that directly improve the lives of local residents.”

Juliane credits the support she received from NTC’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships in helping prepare her application. “The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships connected me with previous scholarship recipients, offered guidance on framing my research interests effectively and provided valuable feedback on my application materials, helping me submit a strong and competitive application.”

With the support of this award, Juliane plans to conduct an independent study on prison reform in South Africa, focusing on its approach to juvenile justice. 

— Juliane Kwong

This award will provide Juliane with resources and connections to pursue research and international experiences that directly align with her career goals in public service, which she plans on leveraging to benefit the local community. “Engaging with ideas and practices from around the world will allow me to think creatively about solutions at home and connect local advocacy with a global understanding of equity and reform.”