George W. Bush Presidential Center
Developing a generation of leaders focused on solving society’s most challenging issues.
We’re bringing together leaders from across the nonprofit, military, public, and private sector fields to produce bold and principled leaders who are committed to solving our greatest challenges, both domestically and across the world.
Throughout its history, the United States has been a vibrant Nation with talented leaders confronting its toughest problems. Today, we need a new generation of champions who come together to make significant contributions in the communities where they live, work, and volunteer.
The future will be owned by leaders who, despite their differences, are willing to engage in the difficult job of finding real solutions.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program draws on the strengths and resources of the George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Lyndon B. Johnson presidential centers. Diverse midcareer professionals hone their leadership abilities through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business leaders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS WEBSITE
First-of-its-kind program, in partnership with other presidential centers, teaches leadership through the lens of presidential experiences.
This first-of-its-kind program, in partnership with other presidential centers, teaches leadership through the lens of presidential experiences.
A diverse group of rising leaders applies their skills through personal leadership projects that improve their communities, the country, and the world.
Meet The Scholars
Graduates attribute significant personal leadership growth, inspiration, and progress on their personal leadership projects to the program.
A diverse group of rising leaders form lifelong connections that would not have been made otherwise and engage in an active alumni network.
This first-of-its-kind program, in partnership with other presidential centers, teaches leadership through the lens of presidential experiences.
A diverse group of rising leaders applies their skills through personal leadership projects that improve their communities, the country, and the world.
Meet The Scholars
Graduates attribute significant personal leadership growth, inspiration, and progress on their personal leadership projects to the program.
Scholars attribute their significant personal leadership growth to the program, as well as inspiration and progress on their personal leadership projects.
This first-of-its-kind program, in partnership with other presidential centers, teaches leadership through the lens of presidential experiences.
A diverse group of rising leaders applies their skills through personal leadership projects that improve their communities, the country, and the world.
Meet The Scholars
Graduates attribute significant personal leadership growth, inspiration, and progress on their personal leadership projects to the program.
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At the Bush Institute, we believe our Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program and Presidential Leadership Scholars program are developing leaders who share in humanity and embody democracy.
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2024 Presidential Leadership Scholars Module One recap
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AnnMaura Connolly is a 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar, President of Voices for National Service, and Chief External Engagement of Policy and International Officer/EVP at City Year.
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Presidential Leadership Scholars alumni are making a difference in the United States and around the world by applying lessons learned through their time in the program. More than 250 PLS alumni will reconnect at the George W. Bush Presidential Center this month for the 2023 Alumni Reunion. As we count down the days until the gathering, let’s look back at some of our favorite impact stories from the PLS network over the past year.
Commentary · Jul 9, 2026
Young people need leaders of character to look up to, as I did to President Bush
Leaders of character can be found all around us – and they are crucial role models throughout our lives, but particularly in our early, developmental years.
Video · Feb 27, 2026
Fired up for public service: conversation with Steve Lopez, Deputy Fire Captain
Dec 15, 2025
PLS at 10: Interview with President George H.W. Bush’s Chief of Staff Jean Becker
Jean Becker, chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush during his post-presidency, recently sat down with the Presidential Leadership Scholars team to discuss her time serving President Bush, his impact on the program, and what she hopes Scholars learn from their time at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas.
Nov 5, 2025
A decade of the Presidential Leadership Scholars, a lifetime of impact
Aug 28, 2025
PLS at 10: Bush Institute’s Kristin King reflects on the program’s lasting impact
Jul 10, 2025
PLS alumni build a brighter future for all
