News and Insights

Application opens for Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2026

May 12, 2025

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 […]

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Leaders to Celebrate This Black History Month: Jerry Hawkins

February 11, 2022

Jerry Hawkins (PLS 2020) gives an update on his PLP, Young Leaders Strong City, reflects on what Black History Month means to him, and shares who has influenced his life and work.

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Scholar Spotlight: Q&A with John Coleman

February 4, 2022

Presidential Leadership Scholar John Coleman gives an update on what he’s been working on since graduating from PLS in 2018 and shares his advice for the 2022 Scholars.

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2022 Module One Recap: The Leadership Foundation

January 28, 2022

In January, the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) Class of 2022 convened for the first time virtually. Check out a recap of the week’s activities.

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2022 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced

January 18, 2022

Seventh annual class composed of 60 Scholars including veterans, educators, physicians, public servants, and corporate professionals; program begins Jan. 18 Jan. 18, 2022 – The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program today named the 60 Scholars who will form the program’s seventh annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought […]

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Presidential Leadership Scholars Year In Review

December 23, 2021

The Presidential Leadership Scholars continue to increase the breadth and depth of their impact around the world. From sharing stories of triumph and devastation in Afghanistan to advocating against COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, the work of our Scholars has never been more important than in 2021. Take a look back at some of the most important and impactful moments.

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Presidential Leadership Scholar Stories of Gratitude

November 22, 2021

As we enter the holiday season, the PLS team is reflecting on our incredible Scholars who continue to be catalysts for action and positive change around the globe. We recently asked the Presidential Leadership Scholars to share their thoughts on gratitude and what they are most thankful for as they think back on the past year.

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In the News｜Hispanic Impact Fund to Surpass $1M Given to Local Nonprofits

October 25, 2021 | Gerardo Interiano (‘17)

Class of 2017’s Gerardo Interiano gives an update on his Personal Leadership Project, the Hispanic Impact Fund, and reflects on how PLS has contributed to its recent success.

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Hispanic Heritage Month: Julissa Carielo

October 12, 2021

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Class of 2018’s Julissa Carielo, Founder of the Maestro Entrepreneur Center and Dream On Group in San Antonio, TX, about her Mexican heritage, her personal leadership project at the Maestro Entrepreneurship Center, and how the two intersect.

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In the News: National service can heal our partisan divides

July 15, 2021 | AnnMaura Connolly (‘15) and | Rye Barcott (‘19)

Presidential Leadership Scholars AnnMaura Connolly (Class of 2015) and Rye Barcott (Class of 2019) recently wrote an op-ed featured in the Dallas Morning News. Take a look: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2021/07/13/national-service-can-heal-our-partisan-divides/

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Immigrant Heritage Month: Sameer Vohra

June 23, 2021

My father has never fully shared his story. Speaking of his challenges and struggles would be against his native traditions and culture. However, I am still in awe of the risk that he took. Born and raised in India by impoverished Muslim parents, he dared to dream. At 23, my father left his rural village, […]

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