• Scholars will engage in bi-monthly development meetings, exploring topics such as values, civic engagement, global leadership, and controversy with civility.
• Scholars will be connected to local leaders, both on and off campus, who provide mentorship and guidance.
• Scholars will interact with other student leaders, encouraging viewpoint diversity and unity through difference.
• Scholars receive a $2,000 scholarship a year for their contributions to the program.

As a L.E.A.D. Scholar, with an annual scholarship of up to $2,000, you are expected to actively contribute to campus life at the University of Tennessee by embodying the values of leadership, engagement, and integrity. Your role is to cultivate a sense of belonging, foster community, and challenge yourself and others to grow as leaders. To achieve these goals, you will:

• Attend regular meetings throughout the academic year with faculty, staff, and fellow L.E.A.D. Scholars to discuss leadership topics, share experiences, and strengthen your personal and professional growth.
• Join a campus/community organization or initiative that aligns with your interests and values, and actively promote leadership, community engagement, and mattering and belonging.
• Participate in and reflect on at least three co-curricular events each semester to deepen your understanding of leadership, community, and social responsibility.
• Design, implement, and complete a spring semester capstone project that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impact on campus and beyond.

The LEAD Scholars application will open in Spring 2025. 

Requirements for applicants:

• Students must be a rising sophomore or junior.
• Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
• Students must commit for a total of two years, with the option of returning to an advisory board for a third year.