
Presidential Leadership Scholars
A partnership between the Presidential Centers of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson

About
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a one-of-a-kind partnership between the presidential centers of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The program brings together bold and principled leaders who are committed to facing critical challenges in their communities, country and world.
Participants gain the skills necessary to work across divides and develop a network that spans traditional geographic, professional, political, and economic boundaries. The Presidential Leadership Scholars program aims to challenge pre-existing perceptions and inspire lasting, positive change.

In Photos: Presidential Leadership Scholars
The PLS program challenges and inspires its participants to enhance their own leadership abilities in making lasting and positive change in partnership with their communities.


























Approach
This one-of-a-kind leadership development program builds a community of motivated and purpose driven Scholars, who learn to work together to address the most pressing challenges of today. The program features dynamic experiences led by distinguished practitioners representing a variety of perspectives on leadership. The Presidential Leadership Scholars program comes at no cost to accepted participants.
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A dynamic experience
Spread over six months, the sessions involve approximately 20 days of on-location instruction and interaction, coupled with pre- and post-module activities and evaluations. In addition, participants form meaningful relationships with one another and learn from each other’s divergent views and backgrounds.
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Opportunities to advance a personal leadership project
Participants work on a new or existing social impact project related to an area in which they are passionate about and involved.
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3
A growing community of distinguished leaders
More than 350 principled and diverse Scholars — from doctors to teachers, elected officials to scientists, active military, and veterans — have applied lessons learned in the program to their work tackling today’s most pressing challenges. The program’s culture of collaboration transcends partisan divides and ideological differences in service of a greater good.
Impact
At the Clinton Foundation, we believe data should be used to guide how programs are designed and implemented. We leverage both quantitative and qualitative information in order to promote evidence-based decision-making and help the Foundation and our community of partners achieve greater results in people’s lives across the country and around the world.
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350+
distinguished leaders
applying lessons learned from the presidencies of Lyndon Baines Johnson, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush to make a difference in their communities through the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. See how Scholars consistently report remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities, and opportunities for impact.
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99%
of participants
reported that PLS had an impact on their sense of purpose and their role as a leader who can bring about social change. Meet some of these Scholars from across the country who are committed to making a difference.
Statement from President Clinton on the passing of Secretary Madeleine Albright
“She was one of the finest Secretaries of State, an outstanding UN Ambassador, a brilliant professor, and an extraordinary human being.”
2022 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced
Seventh annual class composed of 60 Scholars including veterans, educators, physicians, public servants, and corporate professionals; program begins Jan. 18.
2023 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced
Statement from President Clinton on the passing of Secretary Madeleine Albright
“She was one of the finest Secretaries of State, an outstanding UN Ambassador, a brilliant professor, and an extraordinary human being.”
2022 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced
Seventh annual class composed of 60 Scholars including veterans, educators, physicians, public servants, and corporate professionals; program begins Jan. 18.