2026 Leadership U Student Application

Name*

First Last

Preferred Name (if different than listed name)

Which Gender Do You Identify As?

Preferred Pronouns

Birthdate*

Home Address*

Street Address City State ZIP Code

Home Phone

Student Mobile Phone*

Student Email*

Are You of Hispanic / Latino Origin?

Yes
No

Race and/or Ethnicity

Parent Name - One*

Parent Email - One*

Parent Daytime Phone - One*

Parent Name - Two

Parent Email - Two

Parent Daytime Phone - One

Application Information

LU School Choices*

How Did You Find Out About Leadership U?

Did you attend a LU Information Session?*

Please check box if "yes".

Yes, I have already attended an info session
No, but I plan to attend an upcoming session
No, I already have the information I need

Tuition for the LU 2026 program year is $1,750. Are you applying for Tuition Assistance?*

Please find the separate Tuition Assistance application on the main Leadership U web page.

Yes
No

Regardless of tuition assistance, tuition can also be paid via installment plans - would you be interested in this option?*

Yes
No

Educational Information

Guidance Counselor*

Are you a current Sophomore?*

Yes
No

Graduation Year*

References

Two references are required and are to be submitted electronically through the Leadership Howard County website. It is your responsibility to reach out to your references, instruct them to visit the LHC website and submit the form online. Reference forms are due April 6, 2026. Please use one school related (e.g. teacher, coach, administrator, counselor, etc.) and the other community/personal (e.g. employer, volunteer activity, faith-based, youth group, neighbor, or other non-school related). RELATIVES ARE NOT CONSIDERED AN APPROPRIATE REFERENCE.

Reference 1*

Relationship 1*

Email - Reference 1*

Phone - Reference 1

Reference 2*

Relationship 2*

Email - Reference 2*

Phone - Reference 2

Essay Questions

1. Activity Participation*

Please describe the most important activity (or activities) in which you have participated during the last four years. Why do you consider this/these activity(ies) important? If you have not had the opportunity to participate in activities, please tell us why not? (i.e. time, transportation, financial reasons, etc.)

2. Part-Time Job Experience*

Describe any part-time job experience (paid or volunteer) and/or your family responsibilities. Briefly describe what is involved and what you have gained from this experience.

3. Non-School Responsibilities*

Describe your responsibilities (other than class work). How will you incorporate your other activities and responsibilities with your Leadership U commitment? Consider your time commitments.

4. Strengths, Talents, Skills*

What are three strengths/talents/skills that you have and give examples of how you demonstrate them.

5. Who do you most admire?*

Who is someone you admire (past or present), and why?

6. Why do you want to participate in Leadership U?*

Is this something you want to do or is someone encouraging you to participate?

7. Describe what it takes to be a leader. What is the one most important quality of a leader and why?*

8. If you could address an issue or change anything in Howard County, what would it be and why?*

Share Your Story Virtually (Optional)

If you would like to share your story, upload a video clip (60 seconds maximum). Feel free to be creative, but make sure the video is high quality. (Use the File upload below link ONLY)

Max. file size: 200 MB.

Application Deadline

Applications are due on April 7, 2025. Please make sure to follow up with your selected references and confirm that they have completed and electronically submitted the Reference Form.

Tuition Assistance Available

If you are applying for tuition assistance – you must submit a tuition assistance form with your application, which is available on the LHC website [programs tab/Leadership U]. Applying for tuition assistance does not influence the selection process. Selection is based on the strength of your application and interview. If you have any questions, please contact Alli Eastham at [email protected].

Please Read Carefully Before Submitting Your Application

I certify that all information has been provided personally, by myself, and is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I am currently a high school student in the 10th grade and live or attend school in Howard County, Maryland. I understand that Leadership U is a four-month hands-on learning experience. This includes a one-week MANDATORY summer program (Sunday, July 27 - Friday, August 1, 2025), followed by regularly scheduled meetings (usually bi-weekly on Sunday afternoons) early August through early- December 2025. If selected, I agree to attend all the meetings, take an active role in my team project and pay the tuition cost (tuition assistance available.)

Signature - Please Type Your Full Name*

By typing your full name you are formally submitting your application to Leadership U and are agreeing to the terms indicated herein.

Today's Date*