About the LEAD Honors Program

About the Program

The LEAD Honors Program in Leadership and Social Change at Linfield University is designed to challenge and develop high-potential students who are intellectually engaged and committed to making a positive difference in the world.

Some of you may already be leaders. Maybe you're the first in your family to go to college or the captain of your sports team or you're active in student government. Maybe you volunteer in your community, enjoy experimenting in a science lab or expressing yourself through the arts, or are an active listener adept at building bridges between diverse people and ideas.

No matter your background or interests, the LEAD Scholars program provides a dynamic learning experience where you push your comfort zone and cultivate your unique skills to make a difference and become a leader.

LEAD stands for Leadership and Ethics Across Disciplines. The acronym reflects Linfield’s core belief that people who are curious and open-minded, are able to make connections across different bodies of knowledge and human perspectives, and are mindful of ethics are best equipped to make a positive impact.

As a LEAD Scholar, you will:

• Experience a different kind of community. You'll be part of a cohort of 16 students from different academic interests and backgrounds. The group is guided by two faculty advisors, each an expert in a different field. From your pre-orientation program to participation in “What’s the Big Idea” discussions over dinners with faculty to common honors classes to specialized mentoring, the LEAD Scholars Honors Program serves as an anchor for your Linfield experience.
• Develop (and discover) your leadership potential. As a LEAD scholar, you embark on an interdisciplinary journey of reflection and development, including a cutting-edge honors inquiry seminar and a LEAD minor curriculum taught by world-class faculty designed to build a foundation that will help you to navigate ethical dilemmas, adapt to change, and work across human differences. Whether you're majoring in STEM, humanities, social sciences, nursing or business, our program seamlessly integrates with any field of study and promotes innovation on the boundaries of disciplines.
• Gain practical leadership experience that translates into any field and will help you contribute to the common good. Each LEAD scholar participates in a first-year leadership development institute, completes at least two “practicum” requirements (one on-campus such as being a resident advisor and one off-campus such as completing an internship), and builds a LEAD senior portfolio showcasing your accomplishments and credentials, so you’ll not only be ready to impress graduate schools or prospective employers, but able to make contributions to the public good in your life after Linfield.
• Access your network. We know there is power in connecting with mentors and industry leaders in areas that peak your interest and curiosity. Through individualized coaching, create and refine your career and life design by talking with experts in government, non-profit organizations, education, or law. Learn more from established leaders in global business, entrepreneurial startups, healthcare or the tech industry. Career Development’s ConnectMe! bridges the relationship between an immense and talented Linfield University Alumni network and LEAD Scholars to explore internships and applied learning, discover professional leadership options, and offer career clarity through conversation and meaningful connection to create a future with purpose and success.
• Receive significant scholarship support. LEAD scholars receive one of Linfield's most prestigious scholarships, a renewable $5000 award, as well as discounts to Linfield’s graduate programs.

Upon graduation, LEAD Scholars will feel confident in who they are, buoyed by a close-knit community and transformative learning experiences and ready to "be the change" in their communities, workplaces and broader society.