Presidential Leadership Scholarship

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Show Your Leadership

The Presidential Leadership Scholarship (PLS) is OKWU’s 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 OKWU 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—it’s 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 OKWU’s 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 OKWU, 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 – (one must be from your pastor, all must be non-OKWU references)

A 2-3 page essay discussing community service experience, high school and youth group involvement, and plan for involvement as an OKWU 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’s responsibility to lead?
  • In what ways have you been involved in leadership?

2026–27 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)
  • 2026-27 FAFSA Submitted to OKWU (opens October 1 each year) – or signed Federal Financial Aid Waiver on file with OKWU’s 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

Presidential Leadership Scholarship Application

  • Application Essay

  • Please respond to each of the five following questions in an essay between 600-800 words total. Compose your essay in a Word document and upload below.

    • 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's responsibility to lead?
    • In what ways have you been involved in leadership?
  • Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

  • References

    List the name and emails for each of your references below. Emails will automatically be sent to them asking them to fill out a form.
I would like to nominate a student

Nomination & Eligibility

Eligible students must be first-time freshmen or transfer students and can be nominated by a pastor, youth pastor, school counselor, OKWU Board of Trustee member, OKWU faculty, or OKWU staff member. Once nominated, students must be accepted to OKWU before their application is reviewed.

Presidential Leadership Scholarship Nomination

Are you a pastor, youth pastor, school counselor, or OKWU Board member, faculty member, or employee? If so, here's your chance to nominate the best of the best incoming students at Oklahoma Wesleyan University!nnView full scholarship requirements at www.OKWU.edu/PLS

  • Please rank the nominee in the following areas from 1-5, with 1 being low and 5 being high.

I am listed as a student's reference

Presidential Leadership Scholarship Reference

Are you a pastor, youth pastor, school counselor, or OKWU Board member, faculty member, or employee? If so, here's your chance to nominate the best of the best incoming students at Oklahoma Wesleyan University! View full scholarship requirements at www.OKWU.edu/PLS

  • Please rank the nominee in the following areas from 1-5, with 1 being low and 5 being high.

  • Max. file size: 50 MB.
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