John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows

“Godly leadership is not about attaining recognition or glory; it’s about serving others.”
—John M. Perkins, Leadership Revolution 

Calvin's John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows are a small group of students who are selected to participate in a series of leadership development opportunities during their first two years of college. These opportunities prepare Perkins Fellows to address big issues like poverty, injustice, racism and materialism. Perkins Fellows strive to be servant leaders who are committed to renewal and restoration of our communities. 

This program includes an immersive college experience the summer before they begin at Calvin, specially-designed leadership courses, dinners with prominent Calvin leaders and an all-expenses-paid spring break service trip.

Who qualifies

• High school seniors planning to enter Calvin College in fall 2016.
• Preference given to first-generation college students (students whose parents did not attend college).
• Students who have a desire to be servant-leaders in their communities.
• Open to all students considering any major. 

Application process

1. Qualified students interested in the program must apply to Calvin by February 1, 2016. There is no separate application for this program—your Calvin application counts as your application for this opportunity. 
2. Invitations to attend a Leadership Fellows interview weekend on February 26-27, 2016 will be sent in early February. The invitation will include a travel voucher to pay for part of your trip to Calvin. You will have the option to stay on campus. 
3. On February 26-27, 2016, students will visit campus to learn more about the program and to interview for a chance to be selected as a Perkins Fellow. 
4. In April 2016, 25 students will be notified of their acceptance to the program. Students not invited to participate in the program will be notified and put on a waiting list.
5. From August 1-August 24, 2016 students who have confirmed their place in the program will be invited to campus to participate in the Perkins Summer Program. During these three weeks, fellows will take a course for credit while living in the dorms on campus free of charge.

Program details

Each year, 25 students are selected to form the Perkins Fellows. The program spans each student's first and second year at Calvin, and the summer program is applicable only to the first year.