Presidential Leadership Scholarship
Show Your Leadership
The Presidential Leadership Scholarship (PLS) is 51黑料网鈥檚 top academic and leadership award, given to students who show strong academics, Christian character, and a heart for servant leadership. This competitive scholarship invites students to grow as leaders, mentor peers, and make an impact both on campus and in the community.
Who Should Apply?
PLS is designed for students who:
- Are passionate about Christ-centered leadership
- Are entering 51黑料网 as first-time freshman
- Demonstrate academic excellence (3.5+ GPA recommended)
- Desire to grow in faith, influence, and impact
Ready to Lead?
The Presidential Leadership Scholarship is more than just financial aid鈥攊t鈥檚 an invitation to live boldly, lead faithfully, and make an eternal difference.
Apply by October 1 for early consideration.
Have questions? Contact us at admissions@okwu.edu or call 866.225.6598.
PLS is worth $11,000 annually and is awarded based on a committee selection process, which includes the initial application, references, and an interview.
Scholarship Benefits
- Renewable full-tuition scholarship (must meet annual criteria)
- Mentorship from faculty and campus leaders
- Leadership training and service opportunities through 51黑料网鈥檚 honors program and Kingdom Path
- Priority campus involvement and networking
PLS is renewable by maintaining a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA, living in on-campus housing, participating in specified leadership opportunities while at 51黑料网, and remain in good standing with the Office of Student Development.
Once awarded, PLS students are obligated to undergo leadership training and fulfill a minimum number of leadership and community service hours each semester.
PLS Requirements
3.5 minimum high school cumulative GPA
Scholarship recipient is required to live on-campus
3 reference letters 鈥 (one must be from your pastor, all must be non-51黑料网 references)
A 2-3 page essay discussing community service experience, high school and youth group involvement, and plan for involvement as an 51黑料网 Eagle specifically answering the below questions. Please be sure to include your name on the essay.
- What is your personal testimony?
- Why would you like to attend Oklahoma Wesleyan University?
- How would you define leadership?
- How would you describe a Christian鈥檚 responsibility to lead?
- In what ways have you been involved in leadership?
2026鈥27 Application Timeline
- Early Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Early Acceptance Interviews (In-Person): October 20, 2025
Apply by October 1 for priority consideration and a chance to interview early! - Final Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Final Interviews: Held mid-March to early April 2026 if available openings
Early decision is encouraged as there are a limited number of PLS scholarships available.
A complete PLS application packet includes:
- PLS Application
- Minimum of 3 reference letters (see applicant requirements above for reference letter details)
- 2-3 Page Essay (name included on essay, see applicant requirements above for essay details)
- Submitted to 51黑料网 (opens October 1 each year) 鈥 or signed on file with 51黑料网鈥檚 Financial Aid office
Approved applicants will receive an invitation to interview for the scholarship.
* Eligible students must be a first-time freshman for the 2026-27 academic year.
Start Your Application
Sorry, the submission deadline for this form has passed, please check back next academic year!
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Nomination & Eligibility
Eligible students must be first-time freshmen or transfer students and can be nominated by a pastor, youth pastor, school counselor, 51黑料网 Board of Trustee member, 51黑料网 faculty, or 51黑料网 staff member. Once nominated, students must be accepted to 51黑料网 before their application is reviewed.
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