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The Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy (PLA) Scholarship application will open in Fall 2025 for consideration for the 25-26 Academic Year. Additional application considerations include:
- Only graduating high school seniors are eligible to apply.
- Applicants will receive an update of their status via mail in January 2025
- Applicants who receive a phone call will be invited to interview with PLA on BGSU's campus
Please note that students awarded the scholarship are expected to commit four years (8 consecutive semesters) of continuous enrollment at Bowling Green State University at the undergraduate level.
The application and selection process for the PLA is detailed and has several steps. Please read our admissions timeline and program requirements carefully.
View our sample application here.
Checklist for Completing the Application
- Apply to BGSU (recommended by November 2024).
- Once admitted, create your BGSU username and password.
- Log into your MyBGSU portal to access the PLA Scholarship Application.
- Draft your essays and compile your list of extracurricular activities.
- Submit your application.
- File your FAFSA.
Prior to Applying
A candidate interested in applying to the Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy (PLA) must first be admitted to Bowling Green State University (BGSU). We recommend submitting the BGSU Admission Application no later than November 11, 2024 to allow time for the Admission’s Office to review the university application. Candidates must be admitted to BGSU in order to apply for the scholarship. The PLA scholarship application deadline is Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. All applicants must have a FAFSA on file with the Student Financial Aid Office to remain in consideration. BGSU recommends that you file the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when the U.S. Department of Education opens the FAFSA to the public on December 1, 2024.
Application Evaluation Process
A Selection Committee comprised of university and community representatives will evaluate your application in various categories that focus on previous experiences and future leadership potential. Offers will be extended for a campus interview based on the quality of the application and assessment of criteria within the application. All candidates will be contacted by PLA staff by mid-January 2025 with a decision on the status of their application.
PLA Interview Day
A candidate receiving an invitation to interview for the PLA will be expected to attend the PLA Interview Day on Saturday, January 25 or Sunday, Janaury 26, 2025 during which time the PLA interviews will be conducted. The PLA interview will take approximately 5 hours. The candidate's interview provides us an opportunity to learn more about the candidate and, if selected, what he or she would contribute to the PLA, the BGSU campus, and the Bowling Green local community during his or her participation in the program.
Selection Recommendations and References
Final recommendations from the Selection Committee will be considered after the PLA Interview Day. The recommendations will be compared with reference feedback provided in the candidate's application.
Final Offers Made
All interview candidates will receive their final status by late-March, 2025. The offers to participate in the PLA will be extended at this time. Once a candidate receives their offer, it is imperative that they return a signed copy of the scholarship agreement to the PLA in a timely manner. Failure to return the agreement within the time allotted will result in a withdrawal of the offer.
Scholars selected to the Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy [PLA] will have various and significant responsibilities and commitments. To retain membership it is critical the scholar remain in good standing through dedication to these obligations. Failure to maintain good standing may result in dismissal from the program and loss of the scholarship.
Please note that students awarded the scholarship are expected to commit four years (8 consecutive semesters) of continuous enrollment at Bowling Green State University at the undergraduate level.
Prior to the First Semester
- Scholars must participate in the PLA Summer Program (early July through early August, only the summer before the first year).
- Scholars must pass all summer program courses.
- Scholars are expected to commit to four years of attendance at BGSU regardless of previously earned college credit.
During the Academic Year
Each PLA Scholar must participate, at a minimum, in the following required activities for all four years of their college experience:
- One-on-One meetings with a member of the PLA professional staff (once a month)
- Monthly PLA Forum meetings (Fridays, 5:30-7:00pm)
- Bi-weekly Cohort meetings
- Study Tables (two hours, three times a week during the first semester of the first year and any subsequent semester that the cumulative GPA falls below the PLA requirement)
- PLA Fall Retreat
- PLA Family Weekend Reception
- PLA Spring Banquet
- A minimum of 10 community service hours per semester through group and individual projects. Projects must demonstrate service to the BGSU community.
- PLA Service Project(s)
- Membership in at least one student organization (serve in an executive board position during 3rd and 4th years)
- LEAD 1000, COMM 1020, WRIT 1120 in the first year
- Earn and maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average
- Remain in good standing with Bowling Green State University (academically and socially)
- Additional requirements exist depending upon academic year and scholarship type.
Updated: 11/04/2024 12:40PM