Q. Is there a grade requirement to be accepted to the President’s Leadership Academy (PLA)?

A. Any traditional student who meets the admissions requirements of Bowling Green State University is eligible to apply for the PLA.

Q. What are the requirements to be accepted to Bowling Green State University?

A. Please contact the BGSU Office of Admissions (800-CHOOSE BGSU, http://www.bgsu.edu and click on the "Admissions" link) for complete requirements for acceptance to Bowling Green State University.

Q. So what do you do in the PLA?

A. During the academic year, monthly PLA leadership forums and bimonthly cohort meetings help scholars to develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for career enrichment. Additionally, monthly one-on-one meetings assist with co-curricular, professional, and personal growth. However, the first step of the PLA experience begins with the Summer Program.

Q. What occurs during the Summer Program?

A. The mandatory four-week Summer Program is designed to ease students’ transition from high school to college. This residential program consists of a series of academic modules that build a foundation for leadership development. In addition, students participate in workshops, community service projects, team-building activities, and weekend excursions. PLA Scholars receive two hours of credit upon satisfactory completion of the program.

Q. If I am not accepted during my freshman year, can I apply later?

A. Unfortunately, no. Membership in the PLA begins the first year and continues through the fourth year, with each year building upon the previous year. Once admitted to the PLA, you are a member as long as you maintain the requirements to remain in good standing, you complete eight semesters (four years) in the program, and/or you graduate.

Q. How many students are accepted each year?

A. Thirty students are admitted to the program each year.

Q. What are you looking for in an applicant?

A. Applicants should have demonstrated high school and/or community leadership, engagement and/or service in their communities, desire to continue developing their leadership skills, and the ability to articulate this.

Q. Are there additional fees to participate in the PLA?

A. There are no additional fees to participate in the PLA. Beginning with the Summer Program, all materials such as leadership textbooks and transportation to PLA-related events are provided at no cost to students.  However, there may be other related costs as it pertains to being a full-time student at Bowling Green State University.

Q. Is the PLA a program for minorities?

A. No. The program is designed to give any student with leadership potential an opportunity to enhance his or her skills.

Q. So who is in the PLA?

A. The PLA is 114 students strong, from all walks of life—urban, suburban, and rural. Current and past members have been from across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, California, Texas, Delaware, Florida, New York, Maryland, and Windsor, Ontario (Canada).

Q. What other benefits do I receive as a PLA member?

A. As a PLA member, you will receive all of the following:

• Directed leadership development and advancement of life management skills
• Additional out-of-classroom opportunities (e.g., internships, study abroad, National Student Exchange, etc.)
• Increased exposure to and interaction with members of the BGSU Faculty and Staff
• Contact and interaction with other established and accomplished leaders
• Increased appreciation for diversity
• Four-year renewable scholarship up to the cost of tuition

Q. How is this program different from other leadership programs offered at other colleges and universities?

A. There are a number of unique aspects to the President’s Leadership Academy at Bowling Green State University. First, the PLA is a four-year program where each year is built upon the foundation of the previous year. Second, students in the PLA receive renewable scholarships up to the cost of instructional and general fees for eight semesters. Third, the program is grounded in the philosophy of servant leadership, where leaders seek first to serve then to lead others. Fourth, there are growing internship and co-op opportunities, which allow students to gain experience in their intended field of study. Lastly, the opportunity to participate in the President’s Leadership Academy is open to anyone who meets the requirements for admission to BGSU, not just the students who excel academically. These components combined make the President’s Leadership Academy a one-of-a-kind program.

Q. How do I apply for the President’s Leadership Academy?

A. The President’s Leadership Academy application is separate from the Bowling Green State University Application.  PLA applications may be obtained from this website or by contacting the PLA Office. Select applicants will be invited to interview for the PLA on President’s Day, one of BGSU's annual recruitment days. More application requirements can be found on the Selection page of this website.

Q. How do I contact the President’s Leadership Academy?

A. The President’s Leadership Academy
     Bowling Green State University
     105 Moseley Hall
     Bowling Green, OH  43403-0285
     419-372-9623
     pla@bgsu.edu