OJC Press Release ID: 2479

Monday, March 7, 2016

OJC’s President’s Leadership Program accepting scholarship applications

The President’s Leadership Program (PLP) is in its fourth year at Otero Junior College. Scholarship applications are currently being accepted for the program. The Foundation will be underwriting a minimum of 20 $1,000 scholarships for the program, awarded to scholars on a competitive basis. The deadline is April 15, 2016.

Samme Ormiston, a member of the OJC business technologies faculty is directing the leadership program. According to Ormiston, the goal of PLP is to develop and train emerging leaders at Otero Junior College through an academic leadership program that is focused on academics, experiential and service learning. Students accepted into the program will earn an academic Certificate in Leadership Studies in conjunction with an associate’s degree.

The Certificate in Leadership Studies requires 12-credit hours of study that includes two 3-credit hour core leadership courses and two additional elective courses from a wide-variety of academic programs on campus.

The required 3-credit leadership core courses taught by Ormiston will include:
1). Management 224: Leadership – offered during Fall Semester.
2). Management 287: Cooperative Education/Leadership – offered during Spring Semester.

“In addition to earning a Certificate in Leadership Studies at OJC, we have also been able to align our program with similar programs at four-year colleges in Colorado, thus creating the opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer into those programs after leaving OJC,” said Ormiston.

The second aspect of the Leadership Certificate is 120 hours of service learning experiences each. “The program places an emphasis on community service and civic engagement in order to help scholars develop a social awareness, civic responsibility and interconnectedness,” explained Ormiston. Students benefit greatly from the service aspect of the program.

According to PLP member Adriana Coniker, “PLP has really helped me grow as an individual. I know I can accomplish so much in the community, my life, and the lives of others. PLP taught me that I can make a difference.”

Scholars have ample opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities. PLP scholars will learn about leadership through numerous hands-on experiences. Experiences will vary each year and could include such activities such as annual leadership workshops and conferences, lectures from recognized leaders and opportunities for leadership positions on campus and in the community. “This year members had the opportunity to work with leaders from across the nation and have learned valuable life lessons from a variety of reputable sources,” said Ormiston.

Scholarship applications are currently being accepted for next year. To apply for membership and scholarship consideration visit our website at http://www.ojc.edu/about/supportojc/presidentleadership/default.aspx or contact Samme Ormiston. The application deadline is April 15th.

Scholarship selection will be based on leadership potential, intellectual curiosity, commitment to something outside one’s self and successful interview participation. A minimum of a 3.2 cumulative high school or college grade point average is recommended.   Scholars must have the intent to earn an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science Degree at OJC. A minimum of 20 scholars will be accepted each year into the program on scholarships.

All scholars will be chosen based upon:
•    Completed application that includes an essay question and examples of leadership and service experiences
•    Two letters of recommendation
•    High School or college transcripts
•    Personal interview

Current member Savannah Bernal says, “PLP has been the best program that I have ever been involved with. Everything that I have learned so far, I have used in my personal life and I will continue to grow. I have learned so many things from this class and from my classmates. Also, I have learned a lot about myself that I never knew. I feel that I can conquer anything I set my mind to.”

If you are interested in building your leadership skills and becoming a member of this unique program contact: Samme Ormiston, President’s Leadership Program Director, 1802 Colorado Ave., La Junta, CO 81050, 719-384-6850, Samme.Ormiston@ojc.edu

The 2015-2016 President’s Leadership Program scholars