President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP)

The President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) is the premier undergraduate leadership program at Austin Peay State University. The purpose of PELP is to prepare students at APSU for a lifetime of leadership. The program provides the unique opportunity to study leadership in a classroom setting and to develop leadership skills through supervised field experiences. Selection for this program is highly competitive. Students selected for the program receive an annual scholarship.

Students who are admitted into the President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) have, by the time of their application to Austin Peay State University, already demonstrated significant achievements as leaders and scholars.  Once they arrive on campus, PELP students continue to develop their leadership skills in a rigorous academic environment.

PELP students prepare for leadership roles related to their academic interests and career aspirations through a combination of leadership courses, community and service learning projects, mentoring experiences, academic presentations, and other activities.  PELP students receive an annual scholarship of $3,000 that is renewable over a four-year period provided that specific program requirements are met.  PELP students also have priority registration and 24/7 access to the Honors Commons, a study and lounge area reserved for PELP and Honors students. The Honors Commons is located in the Memorial Health building.

Eligibility Requirements

High-school students are accepted into the program based on the following qualifications:

1. Minimum high school GPA of 3.60;
2. Minimum ACT of 24;
3. Evidence of participation in high-school and community activities;
4. Evidence of leadership and service throughout the high-school experience; and,
5. One letter of reference from a high-school official (principal, counselor, teacher, etc.) or a trusted church or community member.   

Application Process

Students should complete the on-line application found at http://www.apsu.edu/pelp/apply.php
(Please note that the application process includes an interview that will be conducted in-person or electronically).