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.

Our Responsibilities as Good Citizens

Scholars heard from President George W. Bush, who joined them for a moderated conversation and Q&A; Mrs. Laura Bush, who joined them for a tour of the Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park; Keith Hennessey, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director of the National Economic Council in the Bush Administration and David Rubenstein Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute; Karen Hughes, who served in the Bush Administration in various capacities, including as White House Communications Director; Dan Bartlett, former Counselor to President Bush and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Walmart; and Arthur Brooks, author, social scientist, and professor at Harvard University.

Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Steve Smith

2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar Steve Smith, President and CEO of Airlink, shares how his organization delivers critical aid and hope to millions of people around the world and discusses the power of the network gained through PLS.

Steve Smith

Class of 2023

We can heal our nation through service

AnnMaura Connolly is a 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar, President of Voices for National Service, and Chief External Engagement of Policy and International Officer/EVP at City Year.

AnnMaura Connolly

Class of 2015

Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Mozhgan Wafiq Alokozai

Mozhgan Wafiq Alokozai, 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholar and Founder and CEO of Eagle Online Academy, discusses a vital lesson she learned during her time the program and shares what fuels her unwavering service to women and girls.

Mozhgan Wafiq Alokozai

Class of 2022

Lessons in leadership: Going further together

Former Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers on her experience in the White House, the influential women from her childhood, and what it means to her to be a woman in leadership

Presidential Leadership Scholar spotlight: Yoon Choi

Yoon Choi, CEO of CollegeSpring and 2020 Presidential Leadership Scholar, discusses the importance of standardized testing in helping students build a foundation for future success and how we can begin to address inequalities in our education system.

Yoon Choi

Class of 2020