L.E.A.D.S.

As a four-year program, L.E.A.D.S. is open to prospective first-year undergraduate women.

In order to apply, students must have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. Application process opens January 1, 2023.

Application and essay must be received no later than March 15th. If you have questions about your application or the L.E.A.D.S. program, contact [email protected] or 630-829-6008.

APPLY HERE

As a four-year program, L.E.A.D.S. is open to prospective first-year undergraduate women. However, there are other opportunities available for students that may not qualify for the program but want to be involved. For more information, reach out to the director, Nicki Anderson for more information [email protected]

• L.E.A.D.S. applications are accepted January 1, through March 23rd of each academic year.
• Students interested in the L.E.A.D.S. program must complete application, essay questions, and provide two letters of recommendation
• After application is received, students will receive a request for online interview with L.E.A.D.S. director and advisory team members.
• Final selection of L.E.A.D.S. candidates is based on essay question, letters of recommendation, interview, and commitment of 20-30 hours of engagement during the full academic year.
• Students will be notified by April 25th of each academic year if they have been accepted into the  program.

Approximately 20-30 hours annually.

The program includes:

• Orientation
• Mentor Circles
• LeadHERship Lessons- Discussions with Exceptional Leaders
• Leadership Conferences
• Mentorship Programs
• Individual Leadership Vision Portfolio
• Service projects
• Annual Leadership Summit
• Internship Opportunities
• Leadership Workshops
• Retreats
• Cohort Connections

All students accepted in to the L.E.A.D.S. program will have a scholarship opportunity available based on meeting their *participation requirement.

*Points are earned based on participation. All L.E.A.D.S. students must meet the minimum point requirement in order to earn their scholarship. For more information, contact [email protected].

Students are not required to live on campus, though it is encouraged.

• The acceptance process is based on students able to fulfill the required time commitment of 20-30 hours annually.
• Students will receive their scholarship dollars through earned points.
• Each student will be required to earn a minimum number of points each year. If student falls short of those points, they will no longer be eligible for the scholarship opportunity.

Through discussions, assessment, skill development and acquisition, speakers, peer and personal reflections and service opportunities, every year the program incorporates the dimensions of:

• Leadership from the Core (Values)
• Leadership of Self
• Leadership of Others
• Leadership of Community

Some of the program topic areas over the four years will include:

• Value Identification and Integration
• Strengths Identification
• Emotional Intelligence
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Communication Development (Speaking and Listening)
• Integration of Spiritual Core (passion, purpose, sense of call)
• Cultural Integration
• Leader-Follower Relationship

Program culminates with each woman creating a Leadership Vision Portfolio (LVP) reflecting her own leadership evolvement over the four years.

2.0 is acceptable for consideration into the L.E.A.D.S. program.