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  • Scholarship Amount

    $2,000-$6,000 per year

  • Deadline

    • February 1 for all freshmen applicants
    • March 1 or all transfer applicants

What is LEAD?

LEAD is a cohort-model leadership development program that prepares students to work with and lead diverse groups of people through dialogue and practice. Scholars are viewed as both learners and teachers as they bring together their unique experiences and perspectives to challenge and develop one another.

Scholars participate in the program for the duration of their time at Biola and by the time they graduate they will be able to construct a biblical foundation for diversity, discuss and analyze cultural worldviews, and practice leading with cultural humility. Upon successful completion of the program, scholars will receive a certificate and graduation stole.


Would I be a good applicant for LEAD?

The LEAD Scholars Program seeks applicants who are passionate about diversity, committed to growing with their cohort, and are willing to invest what they learn into the greater Biola community. Students should be curious, empathetic, and willing to engage honestly in challenging discussions. Being a part of LEAD is a significant commitment and honor (see program requirements below). Students who anticipate other significant time commitments (e.g. athletics, etc.) should seriously consider whether they can commit to the program.

Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or above, and/or cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5 or higher. Students of any ethnic or racial background are welcome to apply.

Mandatory Program Requirements

Students in the program must meet the following requirements for the duration of their enrollment at Biola,

  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA
  • Enroll in LEAD Class during first year at Biola (1.5 hours/week)
  • Attend two Professional Development Seminars per semester, held on Saturday mornings
  • Attend two sessions and volunteer 4 hours at SCORR Conference (Student Congress on Racial Reconciliation)
  • Submit a two to three page paper at the end of each semester which describes how you are integrating what you are learning into your daily life

*The scholarship is renewable yearly contingent on fulfillment of these requirements.


Additional Benefits

  1. LEAD Scholars receive a LEAD polo and padfolio
  2. Graduating LEAD Scholars receive a stole and certificate to add to their resume
  3. An optional Mentoring Program is offered