Leandro Laperne ’28 Participates in the American Enterprise Institute Summer Honors Program The rising sophomore completed a week-long program held in Washington, D.C.
Leandro Laperne ’28Washington and Lee University student Leandro Laperne ’28 recently participated in the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) 2025 Summer Honors Program in Washington, D.C.
The AEI Summer Honors Program is a fully funded educational and professional development opportunity for top undergraduate students, bringing together diverse perspectives to engage in substantive dialogue about the nation’s most pressing policy challenges. Laperne received reimbursement for his travel to Washington, D.C., housing, a $250 stipend and meals on most class days.
A total of 18 weeklong courses are offered as part of the 2025 program, with each seminar limited to 12-18 participants selected from a competitive national applicant pool. Participants engage in briefings with distinguished guests, high-level networking opportunities and site visits throughout the nation’s capital.
“I am extremely honored to be selected to such a great program, where I met people from many universities around the world who are committed to discussing America’s most pressing issues on poverty,” said Laprene. “I also recognize I would have never gotten this opportunity without W&L’s support. Professor Brian Alexander and Lorri Olan first introduced me to the opportunity on a Policy Career Trip last October. Professor Seth Cantey helped me in crafting a recommendation for the program and professors Marisa Charley and Howard Pickett guided me in preparing the material and arguments to engage in meaningful discussion with peers and program leaders.”
Laperne, who intends to major in physics and sociology with a minor in poverty and human capability studies, participated in the first week of programming featuring five separate seminars held June 2 – 6. His section was named “The American Safety Net: Work, Poverty, and Opportunity,” a program that studies the complexities of the welfare system and poverty policy in the United States. The seminar was led by Angela Rachidi, a senior fellow and the Rowe Scholar in opportunity and mobility studies at AEI, and AEI president Robert Doar.
“The programming was extremely insightful, and I was able to make friendships [with individuals] from many other highly regarded institutions who were deeply inspiring,” said Laperne. “I met people from all over the world and several branches of government, and we had meaningful discussions about how influential every role in each level of the American welfare system is, as well as how important collaboration and dialogue are in achieving effective results to improve the lives of millions of people. It was also fulfilling to have direct one-to-one discussions with those who craft the real policies at the federal level. I felt very prepared by my experiences, mentorships and classes at W&L. I would recommend this experience for anyone else interested in policy.”
A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Laperne is both a Bonner and Johnson Scholar at W&L. He was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, serves as a University Ambassador, is a member of Washington and Lee Student Consulting (WLSC) and co-president of the Engineering Community Development Club.
Founded in 1938, the American Enterprise Institute is a leading public policy think tank dedicated to expanding liberty, increasing individual opportunity and strengthening the free enterprise system. AEI scholars conduct independent research and provide policy recommendations on the critical issues facing America and the world.
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