LEAD Honors Program

What is LEAD Honors?

The Leadership and Ethics Across Disciplines (LEAD) Honors Program is designed for high-potential students who are eager to challenge themselves, discover their inner leader and develop the skills and habits of mind to make a positive difference in the world. Learn more about the program.

Each year, 16 students from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives are carefully selected to make up a LEAD cohort. Over the next four years, they will:

Work closely with each other and two faculty advisors, including an orientation program, participation in monthly cohort activities and personalized mentorship.
Be exposed to a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints, with LEAD cohorts consisting of students from rural and urban backgrounds, different demographics, and with views from across the political spectrum and faculty members from different disciplinary perspectives.
Hone and refine their unique skills through coursework that exposes them different ways of communicating, thinking, and knowing.

Receive a $3000 renewable scholarship, in addition to ��Ѩ��Ƶ’s generous financial aid packages.
Complete experiential learning opportunities tailored to whatever major(s) they pursue, including collaborative research, internships and study abroad, plus specialized workshops from ��Ѩ��Ƶ’s Career Development team.
Develop a professional portfolio to demonstrate their projects, accomplishments, and development, giving them an advantage as they begin their career.

Ready to join the LEAD Scholars?

"As a professor, I’m seeing a worrying trend. Many young people are feeling powerless and anxious right now. They are coming of age in an era defined by social division, political polarization, and misinformation where the world seems out of their control. And there seems to be a deep loneliness and a lack of connection to one another and to a larger community.

At the same time, demand for inspired leadership is higher than ever as we are struggling to meet the challenges of our time, whether it be confronting ethical dilemmas posed by AI, protecting our environment, or mobilizing to address complicated issues like poverty.

We simply can’t afford to have the next generation of students withdraw — they need to feel ready to take on this world, capable of adapting to a changing landscape and bridging differences, and confident in their ability to contribute to a greater good. That’s where the LEAD Honors Program comes in."

- Professor Pat Cottrell, Director of ��Ѩ��Ƶ’s LEAD Honors Program

What Students are Saying

"Being part of LEAD allows you to be part of a group where you can easily meet students with shared interests in leadership and academic excellence -- as well as meet and talk to wonderful professors outside of your intended area of study. It's very cool to be in a class where others actively participate. As an incoming freshman, it is also incredibly valuable to recognize fellow LEAD students out and about; it fosters a sense of community during the transition into college."

- Neri Tate Ramirez '29

"My LEAD cohort is something I am so grateful to have this first year. It's amazing to have a group of like-minded people with whom I get to hang out and take Inquiry Seminar. Getting to do fun activities like our cohort's night hike has really bonded us together."

- Anna Lewis '29

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