In Penn State's Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA), students foster critical thinking and leadership skills while learning directly from the University president an experience that students and alumni say reflects Penn State President Eric J. Barron's passion for empowering students and his commitment to leadership through service. "I had some amazing professors during my time at Penn State, and I absolutely count Dr. Barron as one of the best," said one PLA alumna.
Outside of class, academy members attend leadership seminars, etiquette dinners, and up to three fully-funded field trips per year. Applications close at midnight on Friday, February 25.
University Park students are invited to apply for the 2022 Presidential Leadership Academy, while faculty and staff members may also nominate students for consideration. The window for applications and nominations is open now.
University Park students are invited to apply for the 2022 Presidential Leadership Academy, while faculty and staff members may also nominate students for consideration. The window for applications and nominations is open now.
College of Education students among Presidential Leadership Academy participants
Valarie Hibbard, left, will start her three-year experience with the Presidential Leadership Academy this fall. Ashley Griffith, center, visited the Grand Old Opry as part of her PLA experience. She will enter her final year of the PLA this fall. Maude Tarbox, right, and other PLA members went to Baltimore in 2018. She graduated from the College of Education this spring.
Image: Photos provided
College of Education students among Presidential Leadership Academy participants
Annemarie Mountz
May 24, 2021
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Each spring, 30 first-year students on the University Park campus learn they have risen to the top in a highly competitive selection process to become part of the next class of sophomores in the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA).