Eligibility
To apply to the Sue Shear Leadership Academy, you must be a sophomore, junior, or senior during the current academic year.
Students from all majors and academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. SSLA is designed to support leadership development that is valuable across fields, whether you are interested in education, public service, health, business, science, or the arts. Guest speakers come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, allowing participants to learn from diverse leadership experiences.
Commitment
Students selected for the program are designated as SSLA Fellows and pay no tuition to participate.
Fellows are expected to complete 36 total hours of engagement. The balance between online and in-person participation is determined collaboratively, based on student and faculty input during the initial meeting.
The first meeting takes place shortly after the application process closes, so applicants should save the date:
- Initial Meeting: November 20, 2026
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Leadership Certificate and a Gift Card in recognition of their commitment and participation.
UMSL Application Details
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
We encourage interested students to apply early. If you are unable to attend the initial meeting, you are still welcome to apply, and the SSLA team will follow up with information about future meetings or the next cohort.
UMSL Sue Shear Leadership Academy 2026-2027 Application
