Leadership Scholars Program

The goal of this scholarship program is to ensure that we identify the best and brightest students from around the country. The selected participants will have access to enhanced programming as part of their comprehensive experience in Washington, D.C.  In 2020, we will award at least 25 full tuition and housing scholarships to aid students in participating in our summer program.

What’s included?

The scholarship covers full the 6-credit tuition and housing costs for the summer. Scholarship awardees will pay the $500 program fee in addition to travel to and from Washington, DC, and food/personal expenses while in the program.

Application Process >>

Exclusive Programming

In addition to regular program activities, this group of students will attend additional private events. Past participants attended the following:

  • Special orientation session
  • Leadership luncheons featuring guest speakers
  • Presentation of the economics of terrorism with TFAS Academic Director Dr. Anne Bradley
  • Guided tour at the newly renovated International Spy Museum
  • U.S. Secret Service led tour of the White House
  • Service Saturday community service project
  • Tour of Ford’s Theater
  • Lecture on Women’s Economic Rights: History and Why it Matters
  • Special closing luncheon
What Our Alumni Are Saying

Cayleigh Jackson, Emory University

Intern, WeConnect International

“My TFAS summer has been such an irreplaceable experience. The connections that I have made, the professional skills that I’ve been able to develop, and the unique sights and experiences I have had this summer I believe are going to carry me far forward into my future; as I move into my last two years of college, I feel more prepared and excited to join the working world than ever before! Regardless of where I end up in my career, I think I will inevitably trace some part of the start of it to TFAS.”

Lydia Laramore, Spelman College

Intern, Association for Diplomatic Studies & Training

“From economics, I feel like I’ve gained another lens through which to see the world. It’s changed the way I think about the problems that we’re currently facing and forced me to reevaluate my political philosophy. I’ve really enjoyed being challenged and I wish I had more time with these professors.”

Noah Pruitt, Abilene Christian University

The Hertog Foundation

“I expected to spend the summer simply interning; instead I spent the summer building new friendships and experiencing life in DC.”

Inside a Leadership Scholars Three Day Retreat

Scholarship recipients are engaged through out the year with continuing education programs including two 3-day long retreats held in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC. Below is a summary of our 2018 Retreat in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Anne Bradley addresses students at the Retreat.

DAY 1: The Leadership Scholars students converged in Atlanta, GA in early November to attend the Leadership Scholars Fall Retreat. Accommodations were in the heart of downtown. On Friday evening, students gathered for dinner and to hear TFAS Academic Director Dr. Anne Bradley speak on Income Inequality: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.

Students at CNN HQ.

DAY 2: Saturday was a full day of stimulating discussions starting with Mercer University Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Charlotte “Charlie” Thomas with a presentation the core writings of Locke, Hume and Hayek. Next, TFAS Trustee Eric Tanenblatt ’87 lead an alumni panel discussion with fellow alumni in the fields of law, communications, education, nonprofits and sales.

Following a networking lunch with Atlanta alumni, CNN Field Producer and TFAS Mentor Pam Kirkland spoke about her work as a journalist. After her presentation students walked to CNN Headquarters for a behind-the-scenes tour. Later students gathered for a family style dinner at a local Italian restaurant.

Participating in a communications exercise.

DAY 3: On Sunday morning TFAS President Roger Ream lead an interactive exercise on leadership and VP of U.S. Programs Shane Mazzella conducted exercises on communication and leadership styles.

Apply for Summer 2020

To apply for the Summer 2020 program, complete the online application and indicate your intent to apply for the Leadership Scholars Program. Participants will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning at the December 10 Early Application Deadline.