Texas Leadership Scholars Program

Eligibility & Application

View more information about the program, eligibility, application, and deadlines. Check out the benefits section to learn what this program can do for you!

TLS at Texas A&M

The TLS program was founded in 2022 by 18 member institutions as a state-wide leadership program, aimed at guiding Texas high school graduates to develop their leadership skills and continue their education at a public Texas university. Cohorts of students will be connected with peer and professional networks and mentors, participate in unique leadership development programs, and receive opportunities for undergraduate research and study abroad options.

Program Requirements

Throughout all four years of the TLS Program, scholars will be enrolled in a dedicated TLS Canvas learning community which serves as a central hub for program communication, resources, assignments, and required programming. Scholars are also required to attend regularly scheduled TLS programming in addition to completing the specific requirements for their respective classification year.

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First Year: Building Connections and Community

During the first year, scholars will establish a strong foundation within the TLS community through orientation, mentorship, and active program participation. Scholars will:

• Attend TLS Orientation during their first semester at Texas A&M University. The Orientation occurs during the first week of classes in August.
• Scholars will be paired with a peer mentor. Scholars will meet with their Peer Mentor regularly during their first academic year.
• Participate in one-on-one meetings with the TLS Program Advisor.
• Attend TLS programming and events.

Second Year: Leadership and Peer Mentorship

During the second year, scholars take on a High Impact Learning Experience in a Student Leadership Position role by serving as a TLS Peer Mentor. This experience allows scholars to support incoming TLS peers while strengthening their leadership, communication, and facilitation skills. Scholars will:

• Attend Peer Mentor Training
• Attend monthly Peer Mentor Development Training
• Meet with paired mentees during the academic year

Third Year: Professional and Career Development

During the third year, scholars focus on exploring career opportunities, developing professional skills, and gaining practical experience aligned with each scholar’s goals and interests. Scholars will:

Fall Semester

• Attend professional development opportunities that align with an individual career path. Options include:
  • Attending a Career Fair
  • Meet with the Career Center
  • Meeting with a graduate or professional school representative

Spring Semester

• Complete a High Impact Learning Experience related to a scholar's specific area of interest. Eligible experience includes:
  • Internship
  • Service Based Learning
  • Job Shadowing
  • Mentorship with a professional in field of interest
  • Student Employment, on or off campus

Scholars are encouraged to select opportunities that best support their academic and professional interests.

Fourth Year: Alumni Connections and Graduation Preparation

During the fourth year, scholars reflect on their growth, connect with alumni, and complete key requirements in preparation for graduation. Scholars will:

• Identify a TAMU or TLS alumni and establish a mentorship relationship during the academic year
• Complete professional digital portfolio
  • Resume
  • Professional Headshot
  • Mock Interviews

 

Programming provided by The Higher Education Coordinating Board:

• Annual Leadership Conference
  • Each summer a member institution will hold an annual leadership conference for scholars across the state.

• Study Abroad
  • Scholars can apply to participate in a TLS-specific paid study abroad experience.

For more information

Please email us at tls@tamu.edu