Apply Now: Fully Funded Presidential Leadership Scholars Program 2026

Empowering Mid-Career Leaders to Create Lasting Change

The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) Program is a prestigious, absolutely funded, six-month management growth expertise that brings collectively daring and principled leaders who’re dedicated to fixing crucial challenges at home and overseas. The program attracts on classes realized from the administrations of Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

About the Program

Each yr, a various cohort of mid-career professionals is chosen to take part on this transformative journey. Participants sharpen their management abilities by means of direct interplay with former presidents, key administration officers, main lecturers, and influential civic and enterprise leaders.

At the guts of this system is the private management undertaking, designed by every Scholar to handle a urgent situation of their neighborhood, nation, or globally. PLS fosters the event of abilities to bridge divides and construct networks that transcend political, skilled, geographic, and financial boundaries. Scholars emerge as changemakers who problem preconceptions and lead lasting, optimistic change.

Partner organizations embrace:

The George W. Bush Presidential Center
The Clinton Foundation

The George & Barbara Bush Foundation
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation

Program Features

Curriculum & Logistics

PLS is led by a school of distinguished professors and practitioners representing various views on management. The curriculum is designed round 4 core management competencies:

Vision and Communication
Decision Making
Persuasion and Influence

Strategic Partnerships

The program is delivered over six months (January–June 2026), combining roughly 20 days of in-person instruction with pre- and post-module assignments and evaluations. Scholars take part in significant discussions, develop lifelong relationships, and achieve insights from friends with various backgrounds.

2026 Program Schedule

Module One: January 21–24, 2026

Module Two: February 26–28, 2026
Module Three: March 26–28, 2026
Module Four: April 23–25, 2026

Module Five: May 14–16, 2026
Module Six and Capstone: June 10–13, 2026

Participants meet month-to-month for prolonged weekends at every of the 4 presidential facilities. The program concludes with a capstone session in June.

Costs

Thanks to the generosity of program supporters, PLS is absolutely funded. Scholars incur no prices for:

Tuition
Housing

Meals
Domestic journey throughout the classes within the host metropolis

Scholars are accountable just for:

Travel to and from their home airport
Airport parking, if relevant
Meals exterior the official session schedule

Incidentals at inns (bank card required at check-in)

There is no application payment.

The Ideal Presidential Leadership Scholar

PLS seeks high-potential people who’re:

Civically minded: Committed to enhancing society
Open to suggestions: Willing to mirror and develop
Inclusive: Welcoming of various views

Professionally skilled: Typically with 10+ years of expertise
Proven leaders: With a monitor file of management and affect
In influential positions: Able to implement the change they envision

Committed: Able to totally have interaction in all program parts

Leadership Development Approach

The program fosters management development in an area the place Scholars’ experiences are seen as strengths. PLS encourages:

Deep self-reflection

Embracing uncomfortable but significant dialogue
Inclusive framing of challenges
Supporting full participation in change-making

Seeking understanding throughout variations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is PLS totally different from different govt management applications?

PLS is the one program of its sort that integrates presidential historical past, real-world management case research, and direct entry to former presidents and their advisors. It creates a lifelong community of leaders devoted to public service and societal affect.

Where are classes held?

Sessions rotate among the many 4 presidential facilities:

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation, College Station, TX
William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock, AR
George W. Bush Presidential Center, Dallas, TX

Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation, Austin, TX

Are former Presidents concerned?

Yes, Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton take part when schedules allow. All 4 facilities are actively concerned.

Is this an accredited program?

No, PLS is knowledgeable growth program and isn’t overseen by an accrediting physique. It doesn’t provide school credit score.

What is anticipated from alumni?

Alumni are inspired to:

Mentor new Scholars
Share insights with future lessons

Participate in follow-up engagements
Stay related with the community

Scheduling & Work Commitments

Can I miss a module?

No. Full participation in all classes is required.

Will I miss work?

Yes, some days would require day without work. Scholars sometimes attend one prolonged weekend session monthly, plus journey time. The schedule is designed for working professionals however requires employer assist.

Qualifications

Is there an age restrict?

Participants should be a minimum of 21 years outdated. There isn’t any higher age restrict.

Can I apply with lower than 10 years of expertise?

Yes, exceptionally certified candidates with lower than 10 years can be thought of.

Is a school diploma required?

No.

What are the citizenship necessities?

Applicants should be:

U.S. residents dwelling and dealing within the U.S.; or

U.S. residents dwelling overseas and keen to cowl their very own non-domestic journey; or
Legal U.S. residents dwelling and dealing within the U.S.

Application Process

Why ought to I apply?

PLS is a career-transforming alternative to develop as a frontrunner, broaden your affect, and be part of a strong community of changemakers and former presidential officers.

What’s required?

How many references?

Two. They ought to know your management capability properly. Public figures or high-profile people who can not communicate to your work won’t strengthen your application.

Can I add letters of advice?

No. Recommenders full a safe digital kind despatched to them through the application platform.

I’ve utilized earlier than. Should I reapply?

Yes. Strong candidates are inspired to reapply. Applications should be submitted anew every year.

When will I do know if I’m accepted?

Finalist notifications: Mid-September 2025
Interviews (through video): October 2025
Final choice: By December 2025

Can I nominate somebody?

No formal nominations are accepted. However, you’re inspired to share this system with certified people.

Ready to Lead?

Applications for the Class of 2026 at the moment are open.

Deadline: July 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT

Don’t miss this opportunity to hitch a totally funded, transformative management journey that brings collectively leaders dedicated to lasting, optimistic change.

👉 Apply Now for the Class of 2026

Deadline: July 20, 2025

For extra data, go to the PLE web site right here or FAQ page or Contact Us to obtain future updates.