President's Leadership Program (PLP) Application

The President’s Leadership Program (PLP) is a two to three year, nine-credit leadership development program that first year undergraduate students apply for during their first or second semester at UNC. If selected, students will begin the PLP program as a sophomore in the fall of 2025. PLP students participate in cohort-based curricular and co-curricular activities and receive an annual scholarship of at least $3000 a year. The President’s Leadership Program has a vision of leadership as contribution to the community, not an inherent trait that only benefits the individual. We want students to leave the program with the skills to be effective leaders in multiple settings.

UNC is a member of the Colorado Leadership Alliance. For more information visit: https://denverleadership.org/colorado-leadership-alliance/

What will be required of me in PLP?

• Students in the program are required to Take Lead 100, Lead 200, and Lead 492 before graduation (PLP students also have the option of completing the full leadership minor).
— PLP scholarship is designed to pay for the cost of the required leadership courses plus additional funds to recognize the leadership skills and commitment it takes to be in the President’s Leadership Program.
• Students will be expected to participate in 1-3 PLP workshops per semester and participate in a UNC or community organization.
• Additionally, a key component to PLP is mentorship. Students will receive a peer mentor during their first year of the program and a professional staff and/or community mentor in their second year of the program.
• During their last year, students will serve as peer mentors to the new PLP students and plan and present leadership training for other UNC students.
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What will I learn in PLP workshops and LEAD courses?  

After completing PLP students will be able to:

Describe and explain diverse ideologies and cultural perspectives of differing leadership styles, theories, and models of leadership and followership. (ILO’s 1a, 1b, 1c, 1e, 2a, 3a)  

Analyze, develop, and communicate modes of effective leadership in multiple settings (small teams, community groups, organizations) (ILO’s 1a, 1b, 1e, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) 

Evaluate the ethical use of power, including the role of justice in different leadership contexts. (ILO’s 1b, 1c, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c) 

Will integrate lived experiences into their personal leadership toolkit (?) and develop leadership capabilities. (ILO’s 1a, 1b, 2b, 2c, 2d, 3d, 4a, 4b, 5c)

Award
Committee's Discretion
Deadline
02/01/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your expected UNC graduation date (i.e. Spring 2027, Fall 2028, etc.)?
  2. Please complete the following short answer questions. For each question, please write 200-500 words.
    • Please share an example of a time you worked with or were inspired by a leader. What characteristics or skills did you notice that you would like to embody and emulate as a leader on UNC’s campus?
    • Scholars in the President’s Leadership Program are academically driven and are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA. What motivates you to succeed academically? What strategies do you use to achieve academic success?
    • The President’s Leadership Program is a cohort-based scholarship, meaning that the program develops leadership skills through community and collaboration. How might you contribute to a group of peers with diverse backgrounds and similar goals?
    • What aspects of the President’s Leadership Program appeal most to you? What leadership skills or experiences would you hope to gain and/or develop in this program?