The goal of the Emerging Leaders in Engineering program is to attract and retain an exceptionally capable and diverse group of young women and men to study engineering and become leaders in society. The program, established in 2002, includes two groups, the High School Emerging Leaders in Engineering and the UW Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholars.

Emerging Leaders in High School

The High School Emerging Leaders in Engineering program recruits from a group of outstanding, high achieving, high school juniors and seniors from around the Puget Sound area who have shown interest in science and engineering. These recruits are invited to attend events designed to provide an introduction to the University of Washington, the College of Engineering, and the field of engineering.

• High school juniors are invited to the Spring Invitational. Presentations include:
  • Brief overview of the College of Engineering and the different courses of study offered by Engineering departments at the UW.
  • Representatives from the UW Admissions Office, the Scholarship and Financial Aid Offices, and First Year Programs discussing their services.
  • A student panel of current UW Emerging Leaders Scholars
  • A brief campus tour.
• High school seniors are invited to attend the Fall Invitational, which is held on the same day as the UW Career Fair. This event is focused more on helping the students become competitive applicants to the UW. Presentations include:
  • An employer panel that provides valuable tips about current and projected market trends, and insight for students into what to expect in their future careers.
  • Information about the Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholars program. Students are invited to apply to be selected as a UW Emerging Leader Scholar.

Apply Now

If you are a high school student and you wish to apply to the High School Emerging Leaders in Engineering program, please complete the online application.

UW Emerging Leader Scholars

The UW Emerging Leaders in Engineering Scholars are UW students selected based on their leadership potential, academic excellence and long-term goals. The scholarships are $500-$5000 a year, and can be renewable up to four years, as funding allows, and provided the student remains in good academic standing and continues to participate in the program. Approximately 15-20 students are selected each year, with increasing offers expected as the program grows.

In addition to the scholarship funding, Emerging Leaders Scholars participate in seminars led by faculty, staff and corporate partners. The seminars cover topics such as leadership and professional development, undergraduate research and internship opportunities, and academic and career planning.

Participants are encouraged to develop leadership skills by acting as ambassadors for the program, visiting local high schools to talk about the UW and engineering, serving as tour guides or hosts for visiting students, serving as tutors or peer mentors, speaking at recruitment and donor events on campus, and helping to further develop the Emerging Leaders program.

Apply Now

To be considered for the Emerging Leaders Scholars program, please complete the College of Engineering scholarship application.

For more information about the Emerging Leaders Program, contact Cindy Bush.