A one-of-a-kind opportunity to join a powerful network of leaders and learn from the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson
May 12, 2025 – The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program opened applications today for its 2026 program cycle. For ten years, PLS has brought together leaders across all job sectors and backgrounds who are committed to solving today’s most pressing issues and are interested in exploring leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The application period for the Class of 2026 is open through July 20 at midnight CT.
Those selected for the Class of 2026 will participate in a six-month program during which they will hone their leadership abilities through interactions and sessions with key administration officials, business executives, and leading academics. Scholars will gain the insights and skills necessary to work across differences and develop a unique network that spans traditional geographic, professional, political, and economic boundaries.
“PLS is different from other programs I’d been part of, where many participants were simply advancing career skills,” 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholar Tim Ware said. “At PLS, it felt like everyone was genuinely driven to leave the world a better place. This authentic motivation, combined with careful and thoughtful selection of Scholars, meant that the people in the room were there to learn from one another and work for something bigger than themselves.”
Scholars put their learning into action through a personal leadership project, intended to solve a problem or pressing issue in their community, organization, country, or the world. Examples of these Scholar-led efforts include: advocating for patients and working on protocols to reduce unnecessary amputations in the U.S.; bridging divides through more intentional language; and reducing emergency response times.
Alumni of the highly selective PLS program include veterans, corporate professionals, physicians, educators, public servants, and nonprofit leaders at the forefront of their industries who all have one thing in common – a desire to make a positive impact by putting leadership into practice.
“The program challenged me to step back and ask myself if I was truly using my gifts to the fullest,” 2022 Scholar Elizabeth Avila Luevanos said. “It inspired me to not settle – to aim for something greater.”
Since PLS launched in 2015, nearly 600 Scholars have participated in the program, building a strong, robust, and active alumni network across the United States. The program is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year.
Program tuition, accommodations, meals, and travel to and from host cities are fully funded by the program.
To apply for the PLS Class of 2026, visit https://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/apply/.
View program photos at the PLS Flickr account.
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About Presidential Leadership Scholars
Presidential Leadership Scholars is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars and follow @PLSprogram on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.