An Innovative Scholarship Program for Future Leaders   

PLA Scholarship Application

The PLA Scholarship Application deadline has passed and the application is no longer available. The scholarship application needed to be submitted by 5pm on December 1, 2011.

Integrity, Service, Credibility and Learning

The Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy (PLA) is a four-year leadership development program that engages scholars in classes, workshops, experiential learning, and community service activities. The curriculum focuses on specific outcomes, with each year’s experience building on those of the previous year.

Objectives 

• Prepare students to lead with integrity at BGSU and beyond
• Provide an environment with both academic and co-curricular components challenging students to think critically and reason insightfully
• Encourage passion and talent servant leadership
• Provide access to BGSU faculty and staff
• Create network of people from diverse corporate, government and nonprofit organizations to promote leadership education

Benefits 

• Four-year scholarship up to cost of in-state tuition
• Directed leadership development
• Academic, social and service experiences outside of the classroom
• Increased interaction with BGSU students, faculty and staff
• Understanding and appreciation for diversity

The Summer Program

Transition to college
Newly accepted students begin their leadership academy experience in July with an intensive four-week summer program that allows them to experience college life firsthand.
Student take college-level courses, read selected leadership texts, participate in seminars and community service events, and take part in various cultural, educational and experiential learning excursions on the weekends.

The First Year

Self-exploration and personal leadership development
The first-year curriculum helps students navigate the educational, social and personal challenges that are part of the first year in college as they define their leadership philosophy and mission.

The Second Year

Leadership and personal skill development
Students build skills that are important to their success as leaders while exploring career choices and preparing for internships and co-ops. The curriculum encourages students to refine academic, leadership and professional skills—including oral and written communication—to become active participants in student organizations and to prepare to be effective teachers as well
as learners.

The Third Year

Professional skill development
Students begin to teach basic leadership development to others while gaining advanced leadership training. Goals include sharing leadership knowledge with others in a structured environment, becoming a leader in a student organization(s) and participating in an internship, co-op or student exchange program.

The Fourth Year

Preparation for the post-college experience
A capstone experience including a formal oral presentation punctuates the end of the fourth year. Students plan their annual retreat and devise their own community
service project.

Admission Requirements

• Be accepted as a Bowling Green State University student prior to the PLA application deadline
• Completed application to the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy by stipulated deadline
• Complete essay on selected leadership topic
• Demonstrate leadership in high school and/or the community
• Demonstrate community engagement and/or service
• Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
• Selected candidates must complete an on-campus interview
• Successfully complete the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy Summer Program

Learn more about the PLA: watch a video about PLA created by Katherine Hartman, 2007 PLA Scholar