Summer Institute for High School Students

	"It was nothing short of amazing. . ."" "The best experience I've ever had. I don't think there is anything I would want to change." ". . .exceeded all of my expectations. . .I was really able to grow. . ." "Lott was a life-changing experience. The ability of the program to challenge me intellectually. . . really helped me step up as a leader. I was given the opportunity to become anything I could ever dream of." "Wonderful. . .life-changing. . .I loved it!"

Session I: Group with Senator Trent Lott.

The students above are talking about the summer Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students at The University of Mississippi. Are you ready for an experience that could change your life?

Click here to download a 2008 program brochure.

THE HISTORY

	"To be effective leaders, our young people deserve unique opportunities that greatly expand their horizons. The Lott Leadership Institute does that and more, including providing opportunities for lawmakers, academicians, philanthropic leaders and others." -Senator Trent Lott

The Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students is a part of the Lott Leadership Institute and The University of Mississippi Summer College for High School Students. The main goal of this program is to develop leadership skills in young citizens. In keeping with this belief, the Lott Leadership Institute of High School Students is a program in which student leaders from across the southeast can come to the UM campus, earn college credit, and begin the study of leadership. Included in the program are opportunities to mingle with college administrators, student leaders, and community leaders while participating in current event debates, discussions and decision-making activities. The program culminates with a one-week trip to Washington, DC, during which the participants get to see the federal government in action, hear from current leaders, and tour the nation’s Capitol. The program’s goal is that the students who complete the program will return to their high schools and put their new skills to work for the betterment of the community.

Students involved in the Lott Institute will take an introductory political science class for 3 credit hours as well as a public speaking/debate class for another 3 credit hours.

There are two sessions of the program for which 20 students per session will be chosen. All students must be nominated by a principal, guidance counselor, or Ole Miss staff member. Only five students per school may be nominated.

DATES OF 2008 PROGRAM

The first session will begin May 26,2008,and end June 27, 2008.The second session will begin June 29,2008,and end August 1, 2008.Students accepted for the program are enrolled in University of Mississippi classes and must attend all meetings. The trip to Washington, DC, is planned for the last full week of each session. Students must fly to and from DC with the group. The trip is a mandatory component of the program.

	"I wanted to try something new and broaden my horizons." Lindsay Smith, Foxworth, Mississippi

TO APPLY

Students MUST meet program and UM early admission requirements to be considered for selection. These requirements include:

• The student must be an eleventh-grade student in good academic and conduct standing at the time of admission. The school can be public, private, parochial,or even home-educated.
• The student must have a 3.2 GPA on 15 high school credits.* If the applicant has a 25 or above on the ACT or an 1140 on the SAT,the student can be admitted with only 10 high school credits provided the student has at least a 3.5 GPA.
• The student must have permission from his or her principal.
• The student must have two recommendation forms from teachers (forms included in registration packet).

* (or show proofthe student will have 15 credits before the session begins).

Upon receiving the nominations from the principal, the Summer College Office will send an application packet directly to the student, who should complete the application and return all materials to the address indicated in the packet.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

Nominations must be received in the Summer College Office no later than November 15, 2007. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2008.

TO BE CHOSEN

From the nominees, the admission committee members will select 40 students to participate in the program, (20 each session). Students will be ranked on demonstrated leadership,concern for others and academic achievements.The committee will attempt to form a class representative of the state ofMississippi and the southeastern United States. Those selected will be offered a position in the class,and a number of the applicants will be designated as alternates.

	"I've decided to go into government as a profession and major in political science." Blake Johnson, Shreveport Louisiana

ACTIVITIES

Students participating in the summer Lott Leadership Institute will take the 3-hour course Political Science 101, Introduction to American Politics, which emphasizes constitutional principles of the U.S.government. Students will investigate political procedures, electoral processes, and political institutions.

	"I know more now about politics and public speaking...This knowledge will surely help me in the real world." Matthew Jared Young, Quitman, Mississippi

Students will take a second 3-hour course, Speech 102, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, in which they will learn how to organize, prepare, and deliver speeches in a variety of public forums. Afternoon discussions with local, state and national leaders will be held. Some speakers will visit the campus; others will visit by compressed video and satellite link. Students will have organized discussions on topics pertinent to the 21st century in the United States and will debate issues confronting the decision makers ofthe coming century.They will have instruction and practice in parliamentary procedure and formal debate.

TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

	"Being able to talk to the legislators and interns on the Hill gave me a sense of what they are trying to do to help their home state.. Seeing people who work daily for others or come from a small town inspired me to strive for my goals and reach out to others in my own community. " Jamie Weaver, Biloxi, Mississippi

To enhance their studies at the University, students in the Lott Leadership Institute will travel to Washington for a seven-day visit with federal officials including the Mississippi congressional delegation and Senators Trent Lott and Thad Cochran. Students will visit the Capitol, the National Archives, the Smithsonian, and various other attractions of the capital city.They will also visit with leaders in industry and in the nonprofit sector.

HOUSING

Students accepted to the institute will be housed with the Summer College for High School Students in a residence hall set aside for them. They will be supervised by adult staff as well as selected student leaders and student counselors who serve as mentors to the participants. Their travel will be chaperoned by counselors as well as University staff. While in Washington, participants will be closely supervised by the staff and will travel and be housed together in a secure setting.

COSTS

Students selected to the Lott Leadership Institute for High School Students will receive a scholarship that will help to cover room, board, tuition, and travel.Actual costs to the student will be $500 plus books, weekend meals, snacks, and spending money.Students selected to participate are strongly encouraged to earn the required $500 themselves; included in the acceptance letter is a list of suggestions for raising money.