Emphasizing biblical principles that help students lead with character and competence, PBA Lead offers an opportunity for students to develop a leadership strategy that follows the greatest leader, Jesus. The program is grounded in both contemporary leadership practices and biblical principles, inspiring students to first lead themselves before leading others. Building on this foundation, the program helps students identify their leadership strengths, passions, and personality and apply their learning to leadership opportunities on campus and in the community. The PBA Lead program guides students through a leadership journey at PBA. Some highlights of this program include the following: Eligibility: Eligible students must be incoming full-time freshmen with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities or prior leadership experience and must be a committed, strong Christian who exemplifies Christian character. PBA Lead students may also participate in athletics, College of the Arts degrees, and ROTC. Student-athletes, however, must receive permission from their coaches to participate. Students should be aware that combining the PBA Lead curriculum with certain programs may result in graduation requirements exceeding 120 credits. PBA Lead is designed as a four-year developmental leadership program. For this reason, we do not recommend the program for transfer students or for incoming freshmen who already possess a significant number of college credits—60 credits or more—as entering the program with advanced standing may limit participation in key components and negatively impact the overall student experience. Renewable:
The scholarship is renewable upon meeting co-curricular expectations as determined by PBA Lead Staff and Student Development. Annual Scholarship Amount: $2,000. Application: Applications are accepted until May 1st for the 2026-2027 school year. Deadlines: May 1st for the 2025-2026 school year All PBA Lead students are expected to uphold the following requirements: (First-year students have one year to apply and secure a leadership position for their second year—See “Year One” tab for more details) *Students who do not meet requirements may be subject to probation or dismissal from the program, resulting in forfeiture of the PBA Lead scholarship.Student Focused Program
This three-course academic program is designed to cultivate exceptional student leaders ready to meet the challenge of leading differently.PBA Lead Information
Co-Curricular Expectations
- Apply to and gain admission to PBA
- If eligible, complete the PBA Lead Scholarship Program application.
- Upon selection, accept the scholarship by submitting the required deposit as detailed in your acceptance communication.
During the first year, students in the program are expected to complete the following:
- Complete the PBA Lead Foundations course (LOB 1013) on campus during the fall semester.
- Attend the Lead Like Jesus Encounter Weekend (PBA Lead Conference). The conference is scheduled for August 28-29, 2026, for the 2026-2027 school year.*
- Attend three Connect Week activities offered by PBA in the fall.
- Participate in a PBA on-campus group/club of your choosing.
- Attend the fall Student Leadership Fair and at least one Student Leadership Interest Meeting.
- Participate in scheduled PBA Lead cohort gatherings or events.
- Apply for an entry-level PBA campus leadership opportunity for year two (e.g., Fish Leader, Fleet Leader, Resident Assistant, Steering Committee, Student Government Association, Workship Leader, Campus Ministries Global Project Coordinator, Presidential Ambassador, and First Year Coach).
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Note: Please plan to complete all three PBA Lead Courses within the first three years of acceptance to the program.
*Conference dates subject to change
During the second year, students in the program are expected to complete the following:
- Complete the second PBA Lead course on campus when offered during the academic year.
- Attend the annual Lead Like Jesus Encounter Weekend (PBA Lead Conference).
- Serve in a PBA entry-level leadership position.
- Participate in scheduled PBA Lead cohort gatherings or events.
- Apply for a higher-level PBA campus leadership opportunity for year three (e.g., Steering Committee, Student Government Association, Workship Leaders, Campus Ministries Global Project Coordinator, Resident Assistant, and Resident Coordinator).
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
During the third year, students in the program are expected to complete the following:
- Complete the third PBA Lead course on campus when offered during the academic year.
- Attend the annual Lead Like Jesus Encounter Weekend (PBA Lead Conference).
- Continue serving in PBA campus and/or community leadership positions for year three (Fish or Fleet Leader does not qualify after year two).
- Participate in scheduled PBA Lead cohort gatherings or events.
- Maintain or apply for a high-level PBA campus leadership opportunity for year four.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA.
During the fourth year, students in the program are expected to complete the following:
- All three PBA Lead Courses must be completed prior to year four.
- Attend the annual Lead Like Jesus Encounter Weekend (PBA Lead Conference).
- Continue serving in high-level PBA campus and/or community leadership positions.
- Mentor first-year PBA Lead students.
- Participate in PBA Lead cohort gatherings or events.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA.