Leadership Scholars Application

Are you an undergraduate at The University of South Carolina with an interest in leadership and a passion for change? Do you have a vision of what leadership means on our campus and in the Columbia community? The Carolina Leadership Initiative is soliciting applications for its 2015-2016 Leadership Scholars program. Our scholars are committed to serving the university and the Columbia community by designing and organizing a new brand of leadership for our campus. Students will spend the first semester of the program learning new theories, models, and practices of leadership before spending the second semester creating their very own leadership development program for USC. Applications for the 2015-2016 Leadership Scholars program are due Friday, April 3rd, 2015 by 5:00 pm.

Details and Expectations:

  • This program will be completed throughout the entire 2015-2016 school year.
  • Becoming a Leadership Scholar is a yearlong commitment. No replacements will be accepted in the event that a scholar cannot fulfill the entire commitment period.
  • The Carolina Leadership Initiative will provide a $1,000 stipend ($500 per semester)to each student to support his/her commitment to the program.
  • Leadership Scholars should be available to attend regular meetings, date and time to be determined but likely weekday evenings (approximately two meetings per month).
  • Leadership Scholars are expected to actively participate in meetings to bring new ideas to the discussion. Scholars may also be expected to lead discussions or presentations throughout the year.
  • The Carolina Leadership Initiative encourages creativity in its scholars. Scholars will be encouraged to bring outside research into our discussions to help identify a new brand of “Carolina Leadership” on our campus.

Evaluation Criteria

The Carolina Leadership Initiative is committed to “Making a Positive Difference.” Leadership Scholar Applications will be evaluated based on the potential for applicants to develop personal leadership skills or the leadership skills of others in an effort to advance this commitment. These skills include the following.

  • Inspiring change
  • Learning effective communication, professional, and interpersonal skills
  • Recognizing personal and group strengths and opportunities for improvement
  • Developing integrity and putting ethics into practice
  • Valuing diversity and teamwork
  • Promoting creativity and thoughtful risk-taking
  • Developing strategic visions to benefit our communities

Application Materials:

Leadership Scholar applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Carolina Leadership Initiative office located in the Leadership and Service Center before submitting an application to ask any questions about the program. The application itself should be completed in the following format:

  • Completed application cover sheet
  • Section 1 – An overview of the applicant’s past and future interest in leadership, including a detailed description of any prior experiences that have prepared the applicant for successful leadership within the program. (approximately 1-2 pages)
  • Section 2 – A short essay responding to the following question:
  • Describe your idea or vision of what “Carolina Leadership” should look like? How would one identify the influence or impact of your vision for “Carolina Leadership” in the average person? (approximately 2-3 pages)
  • Section 3 – A copy of the applicant’s unofficial transcript
  • Section 4 – A copy of the applicant’s résumé
  • Section 5 – 2 letters of recommendation from university professionals that can speak to the applicant’s ability to lead.

For further information: Please contact Ryan Day, Graduate Assistant for the Carolina Leadership Initiative, at

Applications may be submitted electronically to Dr. Kirk Randazzo, Director of the Carolina Leadership Initiative at

The University of South Carolina is an equal opportunity institution.