John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows

“Godly leadership is not about attaining recognition or glory; it’s about serving others.”
—John M. Perkins, Leadership Revolution 

Calvin's John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows are in the process of becoming the kind of leaders our communities need to address big issues such as poverty, injustice, racism and materialism. These first- and second-year Calvin students are passionate about the renewal of all things, starting with the places in which they will live, work and serve after college.

This program includes specially-designed leadership courses, dinners with prominent Calvin leaders, an all-expenses-paid spring break service trip and a $2,500 renewable scholarship.  

WHO QUALIFIES

• High school seniors planning to enter Calvin College in fall 2013.
• Preference given to first-generation college students (students whose parents did not attend college).
• Students who have a desire to be servant leaders in their communities.
• Open to students considering any major. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Qualified students interested in the program must be admitted to Calvin by February 1, 2013. There is no separate application for this program—your Calvin application counts as your application for this opportunity. 
2. Invitations to attend a Leadership Fellows interview weekend on March 8-9, 2013 will be sent in early February. The invitation will include a travel voucher to pay for part of your trip to Calvin. You will have the option to stay on campus. 
3. On March 8-9, 2013, students will visit campus to learn more about the program and to interview for a chance to be selected as a Perkins Fellow. 
4. In April, 22 students will be notified of their acceptance to the program. Students not invited to participate in the program will be put on a waiting list.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Each year, 22 students are selected to form the Perkins Fellows. The program spans each student's first and second year at Calvin, but the scholarship is renewable for up to four years.  

Year One
Fall Semester/Interim	Spring Semester
Enroll in a leadership course with other Perkins Fellows.	Join a Readers for Reconciliation book group and read a book written by John M. Perkins.
Attend a dinner with Calvin's President to discuss leadership.	Participate in an all-expenses-paid service-learning trip with other Leadership Fellows during spring break.
	Attend a regional Christian Community Development Association conference.

Year Two
Fall Semester/Interim	Spring Semester
Complete a leadership practicum, either on Calvin's campus or in the community. This could include residence hall positions, service-learning opportunities or many other options.	Enroll in an advanced leadership course.
Attend monthly leadership dinners with prominent campus, alumni, community leaders and other Leadership Fellows.	Attend a regional Christian Community Development Association conference.
	Enjoy a celebratory weekend retreat where you will develop and share your "plan of action" for how you plan to develop yourself as a Christian leader at Calvin, and beyond.