President's Leadership Program (PLP) Application

The President’s Leadership Program (PLP) is a two year, nine-credit leadership development experience for undergraduate students who want to strengthen their leadership skills both inside and outside of the classroom and make a positive impact in their communities. PLP Scholars receive an annual $3,000 scholarship each year they participate in the program.

Students eligible to apply include:

Current first year students who will begin their sophomore year in Fall 2026

Transfer students starting at UNC in Summer or Fall 2026 who expect to complete at least 2 years of coursework at UNC

Incoming first-year students who begin their studies at UNC in Fall 2026

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and maintain a 3.0 throughout their participation in the program.

Selected students will begin the PLP program in Fall 2026. PLP participants will engage in cohort-based coursework and co-curricular workshops and receive an annual scholarship of at least $3,000.

PLP views leadership as a contribution to the community, not simply as a personal trait, and prepares students to be effective, ethical leaders in multiple settings.

PLP is a collaboration between Student Affairs (Office of Community Scholars) and Academic Affairs. UNC is also a proud member of the Colorado Leadership Alliance. Learn more: https://denverleadership.org/colorado-leadership-alliance/

Program Requirements

PLP scholars complete 9 credits of leadership courses with their cohort:

LEAD 100, LEAD 200, and either LEAD 492 or LEAD 497 (completed within two years).

Students may choose to complete the full Leadership Certificate by taking one additional leadership course (12 credits total).

The PLP scholarship helps cover the cost of the required courses and provides additional recognition for students’ leadership commitment.

Learn more about the leadership courses: UNC Course Catalog – LEAD (hyperlink to https://unco.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/undergraduate-catalog/course-descriptions/lead-leadership)

In addition, PLP scholars will:

Attend 1-3 PLP workshops per semester

Participate in a UNC or community organization

Engage in peer and professional mentorship opportunities

In their final semester in PLP, help plan leadership training events and deliver a leadership presentation to other UNC students.

What You’ll Learn

By 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.

Analyze, develop, and communicate modes of effective leadership in multiple settings (small teams, community groups, organizations).

Evaluate the ethical use of power, including the role of justice in different leadership contexts.

Integrate lived experiences into their personal leadership toolkit and develop leadership capabilities.

By submitting an application, the applicant consents to staff conducting a student disciplinary record check, confirming eligibility information (e.g. cumulative GPA, financial aid information, credits completed, etc.), and communicating these results and information with PLP stakeholders and donors as needed.

Award
Committee's Discretion
Deadline
06/30/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. What is your expected UNC graduation date (i.e. Spring 2027, Fall 2028, etc.)?
  2. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to connect with your academic advisor and provide a graduation plan that includes the required LEAD courses and complete a 30-minute interview over video call with the Selection Committee in February or March.
  3. 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?