10TH ANNUAL SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

SPONSORED BY THE LOTT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND DIVISION OF OUTREACH

Session 1: May 25-June 26, 2009
Session 2: June 28-July 30, 2009

Download a 2009 program brochure.

Since the Lott Summer Leadership Institute for High School Students was initiated in the summer of 2000 at the University of Mississippi, hundreds of students have expressed enthusiasm for the life-altering experience of participating in the Summer Leadership Institute. If you are a junior in high school who is interested in leadership, we have a question for you: Are you ready — for an experience that could change your life?

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Summer Leadership Institute for High School Students is a partnership between the University of Mississippi's Lott Leadership Institute and the Division of Outreach's Summer College for High School Students. The goals of the program are to develop leadership skills in young citizens and prepare them for college. In order to achieve these goals, the Summer Leadership Institute brings together student leaders from across the Southeast to earn college credit on the UM campus and to 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, D.C., during which the participants see the federal government in action, hear from national leaders, and tour the nation's Capitol. The ideal outcome is for students who complete the program to return to their high schools and put their new skills to work for the betterment of their own schools and communities.

PROGRAM DATES

There are two sessions of the Summer Leadership Institute from which to choose. Accepted students are enrolled in two University of Mississippi classes and must attend all meetings. The trip to Washington, D.C., is a mandatory component of the program, and students must fly to and from D.C. with the group. Students unable to commit to the below dates should not apply to the program. Students selected to participate in the first session should be prepared to check-in on campus at 1:00 p.m. on May 25, 2009. The trip to D.C. for this group is tentatively set for June 19-25. Participants may depart campus after 1:00 p.m. on June 26, 2009.

Students selected to participate in the second session should be prepared to checkin on campus at 1:00 p.m. on June 28, 2009. The trip to D.C. for this group is tentatively set for July 23-29. Participants may depart campus after 1:00 p.m. on July 30, 2009.

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

TO APPLY

• 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.
• Must have 15 high school credits (by June 2009) with at least a 3.2 GPA. If the applicant has at least a 25 ACT (composite) or an 1150 SAT (CR+M), the student can be admitted with only 10 high school credits provided the student has at least a 3.5 GPA.
• Must have permission from his or her principal (indicated by principal's signature on the application).
• Must have two recommendation forms from teachers (forms included in application packet).

DEADLINES

Each school has until December 15, 2008, to send its nominations to the Summer College Office.Upon receiving a school's nominations from the principal or designee, an application packet will be sent directly to the students' home mailing addresses. Students must return a completed application and all supporting materials prior to January 30, 2009, in order to be considered by the selection committee.

SELECTION PROCESS

From the group of nominated applicants, an admissions committee of University officials 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 assemble a class with diverse interests and experiences while being representative of the southeastern United States. In addition to the 40 selected to participate, a small number of alternates will be designated, and some applicants not selected will be offered scholarships to attend the Summer College for High School Students.

COLLEGE COURSEWORK

Students participating in the summer Lott Leadership Institute will take 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. Students will also take Speech 102, Fundamentals of Public Speaking, in which they will learn how to organize, prepare, and deliver speeches in a variety of public forums. Combined, these courses provide 6 hours of college credit to program participants.

TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

To enhance their studies at the University, students in the Summer Leadership Institute will travel to Washington for a seven-day visit with federal officials, including U.S. Representatives and Senators. 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.

	"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

HOUSING

Students accepted to the program will be housed with the Summer College for High School Students in a residence hall set aside specifically for them. Adult staff as well as selected student counselors who serve as mentors to the participants will supervise them.While in Washington, participants will be closely supervised by University staff and student counselors. The group will travel together and be housed 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 a $600 program fee plus books, weekend meals, snacks, and souvenir/spending money. Students selected to participate are strongly encouraged to raise the required $600 from other sources themselves, rather than paying out of pocket. Included in the acceptance letter is a list of fundraising suggestions.