Applications open for Wilson Leadership Scholars

The Wilson Leadership Scholar Award applications and nominations are open for both graduate and undergraduate students.

While the award program is financially generous, at $25,000 for undergrads and up to $25,000 for graduate students, it also provides valuable experiences.

“It was life changing. I wouldn’t be the same person had I not gone through the Wilson Leadership program” and used its structure “to reflect on who I want to be,” says Wilson scholar, Alyssia Jovellanos.

Founded by Chancellor Emeritus L.R. Wilson and hosted at McMaster, the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award aims to give students transformative experiences, while also helping to develop the next generation of leaders in Canada. Wilson Leaders lead problem-based learning sessions on current issues, design and execute a community project, and learn from speakers, mentors and coaches. Also, they have access to a house off campus for workspace and events.

“We’re grateful to the Wilson Foundation for supporting a program that complements what students learn in the classroom, and gives them the tools early on to make a positive impact on issues that matter to them,” says Sean Van Koughnett, AVP Students & Learning, Dean of Students, and director of the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award.

“It not only helps launch students’ future careers, but also makes their time at McMaster all the more meaningful.”

He further encourages all eligible, interested students to apply: “This award isn’t about having the highest GPA, or the longest CV. There’s no blueprint for a Wilson Leader, no one program, political viewpoint, or set of experiences that we’re looking for. Each Wilson Leader brings a unique set of experiences to the table, and they’re similar only in their leadership potential, desire to learn and improve, and ability to tackle issues that matter to them.”

Some of the best leaders don’t necessarily see themselves that way, and so McMaster staff and faculty can now nominate students, who will receive a request from the program to apply. Students are also able to apply without a nomination, and applications are assessed equally. Eligibility requirements and deadlines are available on the award website, wilsonleader.ca.