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 2018.
• Preference given to first-generation college 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 College, you will need to do two things:

1) Express your interest

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you're interested in the program.

Express interest form

2) Apply to Calvin

Complete Calvin's application early in order to be admitted by February 1. Without your application, you will not be considered for this program.

Calvin Application

Timeline

After you express interest in the program and complete your application to Calvin, here is what you can expect to happen:

1. Invitations to attend the John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows interview weekend in March 2018 will be sent in early February. The invitation will include a travel voucher to pay for part of your trip to Calvin if you live more than 150 miles from campus. You will have the option to stay on campus. 
2. This invitation includes visiting campus to learn more about the program and to interview for a chance to be selected as a member of the John M. Perkins Leadership Fellows. 
3. Prospective students will be notified of their acceptance to the program in April 2018. 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, and the summer program is applicable only to the first year.