UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) has accepted its new cohort of 30 second-year students. Housed within the Schreyer Honors College, this is PLA’s 16th class since its founding by Edward and Helen Hintz in 2009.
Students in PLA are encouraged to think outside black-and-white diametric thinking and explore the gray space between, in order to help them develop into thoughtful leaders on the local, national and global scale.
This year, 188 students applied to the PLA. The 30 students who were admitted underwent a competitive interview process that evaluated their critical thinking ability, communication skills, and their willingness to engage with those who have different opinions.
The PLA’s 2025 incoming class spans a wide variety of academic disciplines at Penn State. Additionally, 12 of the incoming class are Schreyer Scholars.
Outside of academics, the incoming members are involved across campus. They participate in a variety of activities including mock trials, the University Park Undergraduate Association, the Daily Collegian and more.
"After only a few encounters, the impact this community has had on me is unmistakable, and I can’t wait to see how I will grow and evolve throughout this program,” said incoming PLA student Matthew Pun. “Surrounded by a group of incredibly talented leaders, I am overwhelmingly optimistic for the future our hands will shape.”
The incoming class will begin its PLA journey by taking a class with Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, which discusses difficult issues that Penn State and other universities across the nation face. In their second year, they will take a course with Schreyer Honors College dean Patrick Mather.
Members of the PLA also participate in a wide variety of programming, including immersive trips to learn from world class leaders, professional networking opportunities, and cultural experiences led by PLA director Melissa Doberstein and student engagement specialist David de la Rosa.
The PLA website offers details for first-year students who are interested in applying for the academy. Those who are carrying a minimum 3.2 GPA are encouraged to review the application requirements ahead of the new application window’s opening in fall 2025.