What is the Leadership Studies Department (LDRS) at DU?
Leadership Studies consists of two outstanding cohort-based programs for undergraduate students: Colorado Women's College Leadership Scholars (CWCLS) and PLP. Each program provides students with leadership theory courses and community events outside of the classroom. Students who complete either program receive a Minor in Leadership Studies.
Who is Leadership Studies for?
Both LDRS programs are for incoming first-year undergraduate students at DU who want to belong to a larger community and dive into learning about the study of leadership. Programs pair well with almost every major.
Does LDRS offer scholarships?
PLP is a cost neutral program. PLP does not offer financial scholarships for students, however, there is no cost to students for participating in the program. CWCLS offers a scholarship of up to $6,000 per student and there is no cost for participating in the program.
Requirements to Join:
· Must apply to DU and be accepted first.
· Must complete the PLP or CWCLS application (apply through websites).
o This application is separate from DU’s undergraduate application.
· Must be an incoming first-year undergraduate student.
Benefits of Joining:
· A strong cohort community.
· Students earn a minor in Leadership Studies.
· Engaging and impactful events, speakers, retreats, and community engagement.
· Connection to a large world-wide alumni network.
· Financial scholarship (CWCLS only).
Do I need to commit to DU before I apply to PLP or CWCLS?
Does applying mean I must attend DU?
No, to both questions. Any student who is accepted to DU may apply to join PLP or CWCLS, and you do not have to be committed to DU. Applying is not binding. If a student is accepted, they may decline the offer because of interest in another program at DU or they can decide to attend a different school. Since space is limited, we encourage all interested students to apply, even if they are unsure what university they want to attend.
Can you join PLP and CWCLS?
No. These two programs have similar requirements, benefits and conclude with earning a Minor in Leadership Studies, so there is no reason to join both.
What is the difference between PLP and CWCLS?
The main difference between the two programs is that CWCLS focuses on a culturally responsive leadership curriculum through a feminist lens, while PLP is a broader study of leadership theory. Second, CWCLS offers a scholarship, but PLP does not. Lastly, PLP requires first-year students to live together on-campus in a dorm community; CWCLS does not require students to live on-campus.