“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 university. 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 specially-designed leadership courses, dinners with prominent Calvin leaders, and several opportunities to give back to the community through service. Freshman members of the program reside in community on the Perkins Floor in the Residence Halls. Sophomore members of the program are given an opportunity to reside in community at the Perkin's Fellows Leadership House.

One student will also be selected for a
FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIP
to Calvin University

Who qualifies

  • High school seniors planning to enter Calvin University in fall 2021.
  • Preference given to first-generation university students (students in a household where neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree).
  • Students who have a desire to be servant-leaders in their communities.
  • Open to all students considering any major.

Next steps:

If you wish to get involved with the John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows at Calvin University, you will need to express your interest!

1) Express your interest

Click the button below to let us know you want to attend the virtual Perkins Fellows Preview Interview weekend on Saturday, February 27th. We will follow up with you by phone to choose an interview time and provide you with more details about the weekend! During this virtual event you will hear from Dr. Perkins himself, meet current Perkins Fellows, interview with Calvin staff, and learn more about what your life could look like as a Perkins Fellow. Please note that you need to RSVP to attend by February 19th, 2021.

Yes, I want to attend the interview event!

Timeline

You need to be admitted to Calvin and you must RSVP that you want to attend this virtual event by February 19th.

  1. After you tell us you want to attend; we will follow up with you by phone to choose an interview time and provide you with more details about the weekend!
  2. This invitation to the virtual weekend includes interacting with current students in the Perkins Fellows Leadership Cohort, interviewing for a chance to be selected as a member of the Perkins Fellows Leadership Cohort, and other opportunities to learn about the program. Students will also have an opportunity to hear from Dr. John M. Perkins.
  3. Prospective students will be notified of their acceptance to the program by April 2021. Students not invited to participate in the program will be put on a waiting list.

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.
Yearly Schedule

Year One

Fall Semester / Interim

Spring Semester
The group takes an Emotional Resilience interim class together. Attend a regional Christian Community Development Association conference.
Attend a dinner with Calvin's President to discuss leadership.
The group takes the Perkins First Year Seminar and an IDIS class together.

Year Two

Fall Semester / Interim

Spring Semester
Complete a leadership practicum, either on Calvin's campus or in the community. This could include residence hall leadership positions, service-learning opportunities off campus or many other options. Enroll in an advanced leadership course.
Attend leadership dinners with prominent campus, alumni, community leaders and other Perkins Fellows. Attend a regional Christian Community Development Association conference.
Attend a dessert with Calvin's President LeRoy to discuss the Perkins program. Enjoy a celebratory weekend retreat where you will develop and share your "plan of action" for how you plan to develop yourself as a Christian leader at Calvin, and beyond.