This is an exclusive experience that puts you in an environment with built-in support and friends from day one of your VCU Experience. Not only will you learn about yourself through fun and engaging leadership courses, but you will gain lifelong friends with your mentor and pod. After 18 years of the Emerging Leaders Program, we can assure you that you will have a great time and this will put you on the trajectory for success at VCU!
No. All residential ELP students live together in the West Grace North Residence Center (WGN) in apartment-style housing. Due to the nature of the program being a living-learning community, all ELP students will be placed with roommates in the program. If you accept the offer to ELP, you will not be able to keep your roommate unless they are also in ELP. **We assure you that you will make lifelong friends in this program and if you're concerned about this requirement please let us know. We have ELP students who can share their experience with you!**
Mentees are required enroll in one class for this program. Students will enroll in REAL491 (3 credit) in the spring semester.
The 1st year Mentees will receive a $750 scholarship for the first semester and have the opportunity for a renewed scholarship for second semester if the Mentee meets specified goals. In total, a successful mentee will receive $1,500 over their first year for participating in ELP as well as the non-monetary benefits of an established and supportive community, leadership skills, and supportive staff for the remainder of their time at VCU!
Yes! For students who wish to explore leadership after their first year, the VCU Transform Living-Learning Program is a robust experience that connects leadership learning through coursework and experiential learning. Applications for the following year open in October and close in February. For more information, visit www.lead.vcu.edu