Presidential Leadership Scholars
The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program brings together bold and principled leaders committed to addressing critical challenges. It draws lessons from the administrations of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. This program is designed for individuals who aim to enhance their leadership skills and improve people's lives.
🏛️ About Presidential Leadership Scholars
The PLS program fosters leadership development in a supportive and inclusive environment. Scholars are encouraged to:
- Reflect deeply on their personal leadership development.
- Commit to meaningful interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Include diverse perspectives when framing challenges and considering responses.
- Work to ensure full participation of others in influencing change.
- Seek understanding, even in moments of disagreement.
Opportunity Details
- Date Published: May 16, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 20, 2025
- Category: Fully Funded, Training
- Opportunity Location: United States
- Eligible Locations: United States
🎁 Benefits of Presidential Leadership Scholars
The program is fully funded, ensuring accessibility for leaders across the country. The following costs are covered:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Meals
- Travel during sessions in the host center's city
These expenses are supported by contributions from program supporters.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria regarding citizenship and residency:
- United States citizens living and working in the country.
- United States citizens living and working abroad but able to cover non-domestic travel costs.
- Legal residents of the United States living and working in the country.
Additional Requirements
- Minimum Age: 21 years old.
- Professional Experience: Most Scholars have 10+ years of professional experience, though exceptionally qualified candidates with less experience may also be considered.
- Personal Leadership Project (PLP): Applicants must propose a project that involves a significant leadership challenge. The project should:
- Focus on a positive outcome for a specific group of people.
- Have an achievable six-month goal.
- Leverage the applicant's existing knowledge, experience, and/or network.
- Benefit from participation in the program.
🌟 Ideal Candidate Profile
The program seeks a diverse cohort of high-potential leaders who share the following characteristics:
- Civically minded: Committed to improving society.
- Open to feedback: Actively seeks and responds to constructive feedback.
- Accepting of diverse perspectives: Welcomes opportunities to learn from others with different backgrounds.
- Meaningful professional experience: Typically 10+ years of experience, with the ability to apply lessons learned in the program.
- Demonstrated leadership: Proven record of engagement and leadership.
- Influence: Positioned to implement meaningful change.
- Commitment: Able to fully participate in the rigorous six-month program.
📅 Application Process
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: July 20, 2025 (11:59 PM CT)
- Finalist Notification: Mid-September 2025
- Interviews: Early October 2025
- Final Acceptance Decisions: December 2025
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials online:
- Personal background information (academic, professional, etc.).
- Responses to essay questions.
- Recommendations.
- A summary of the Personal Leadership Project (PLP).
🔗 Application Portal
- Learn more about the program: Presidential Leadership Scholars
- Apply here: Presidential Leadership Scholars Application
This program is an incredible opportunity for leaders to enhance their skills, engage with diverse perspectives, and make a meaningful impact on society. Don't miss the chance to apply!
- Tuition, housing, meals, and travel during the sessions in the host center's city are fully funded by contributions from program supporters.
