The Presidential Emerging Leaders Program is a new one-year leadership development program designed to help first-year students create lasting friendships, make meaningful connections across campus, and develop their leadership profiles. Selected students will participate in personal leadership development, team building, skill-building sessions, and networking with campus influencers, including University President Troy Paino.
Participants will spend the year immersed in various experiential learning 
opportunities to explore what kind of leader they aspire to be. Participation in this program will serve as a solid springboard to future engagement opportunities on and off-campus. Those selected will also receive a $500 stipend.
This program is open to all majors and requires no prior leadership experience or knowledge. Those who apply early action will be given priority consideration for admission into the program.
Presidential Emerging Leaders Selection Timeline
Spaces are limited in this inaugural cohort of emerging leaders. We anticipate enrolling approximately 30 students in the fall 2021 cohort.
Selection is intended to take place in two rounds.
The selection committee recommends students submit their PELP application for consideration by February 1 for first-round consideration. Students who have applied and have been offered admission to the university will be the first considered in February for an offer to be accepted into the emerging leaders’ program.
Round two will commence in mid-March for students who apply and are admitted under the Regular Decision process. Students admitted to the University after January 31 may submit their application to the Presidential Emerging Leaders Program no later than March 15 for consideration in round two.
Students invited to participate in the Presidential Emerging Leaders Program are encouraged to claim their space by submitting their enrollment deposit at their earliest opportunity.
The Application
The committee invites interested candidates to respond to one of the following prompts for the application:
- Show/please tell us who you are.
- Who do you admire in your life and why?
- What is your superpower?
There is no required format, and creativity is encouraged. If providing a link, please maintain your preferred level of privacy and ensure access to the selection committee members for review.
Questions? Please feel free to connect with your admission counselor or admit@umw.edu.
