Applications for the 2027 class of Presidential Leadership Scholars are open. Apply now.

News and Updates

All the latest Scholar stories, updates from the modules, program news, and more.

Presidential Leadership Scholars

#ThisIsOurShot – Behind the Scenes on the Strategerist Podcast

Presidential Leadership Scholars Dr. Sunny Jha, Dr. Loren Robinson, and Dr. Jay Bhatt are on the front lines in their communities in the fight against COVID-19 — but thanks to vaccines that are now available, see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Jay Bhatt

Class of 2016

Sunny Jha

Class of 2018

Loren Robinson

Class of 2018

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Scholar Spotlight: Q&A with Brent Taylor

"COVID-19 has both reaffirmed and challenged my work in ministry, education and leadership. While COVID closed the doors of our church for in-person worship services, it also opened many doors to help people in need through our food pantry and new operations. I probably made more difficult and unprecedented decisions from March through August than the previous two years combined."

Brent Taylor

Class of 2016

Presidential Leadership Scholars

An Urgent Invitation to The Movies

PLS Class of 2015 Scholar Holly Gordon provides a list of movie recommendations to her fellow Scholars on the topic of democracy, race, and justice.

Holly Gordon

Class of 2015

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Perspectives on Systematic Racism

Presidential Leadership Scholars are lending their voices to provide perspective on the systemic racism in this country and share thoughts towards progress.

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Notes from the Field: Sunny Jha

"In many ways, this pandemic has been a remarkable test of the PLS network. I imagine, these are the moments in American history that our PLS founders envisioned for our scholars to shine. I believe we have appropriately risen to the occasion and hope we have made them proud. I look forward to the day when I no longer must wear an N-95 mask all day, but until that day is here, we are ready."

Sunny Jha

Class of 2018

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Notes from the Field: Judge Scott Schlegel

When courthouses shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a unique challenge occurred. Courts around the globe had to figure out how to hold hearings without physical buildings.

Scott Schlegel

Class of 2017

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Nomi Network Program Graduates Spearhead COVID-19 Response

COVID-19’s ripple effect on India’s economy might be a wake-up call to the rest of the world, but for the Nomi Network, it affirms the need for life-transforming programs in South and Southeast Asia.

Diana Mao

Class of 2015

Presidential Leadership Scholars

Update on 2020-2021 Programming

Because of the challenges posed to travel by COVID-19, the 2020 Presidential Leadership Scholars program has been postponed for the current class until the spring of 2021.