Apply to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute
Learn how to apply to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at Ole Miss and earn admission to the Public Policy Leadership major.
Join a Community of Leaders
The Trent Lott Leadership Institute is more than a program, it is a transformational experience designed for students who aspire to lead boldly, serve meaningfully, and create lasting impact.
Each year, select undergraduate students join a community dedicated to excellence, leadership, and purpose.
Admitted Students Become Public Policy Leadership Majors
Admission to the Public Policy Leadership (PPL) major is reserved only for undergraduate students accepted into the Lott Leadership Institute.
Candidates undergo a holistic and competitive admission process to assess their readiness for the program's rigorous academic standards. This unique partnership creates an academic experience that is both intellectually rigorous and professionally transformative.
Start Your Leadership Journey Today
Freshman Applicants
First Year students should first apply to the University. After acceptance, students will apply to The Lott Leadership Institute through the Competitive Academic Programs Application.
Applications will only be considered if all materials have been submitted.
The deadline for Fall 2027 admission is expected to be in early January 2027.
Transfer or Current UM Undergraduate Students
The Accelerated Policy & Leadership Studies (APLS) program is an alternative application process designed for admitted UM students who missed the Competitive Academic Programs Application deadline and would like to major in Public Policy Leadership (PPL), or add PPL as a second major. Interested students should contact lottleader@olemiss.edu for additional application guidance.
Lott Leadership Institute students benefit from:
- Small class sizes
- Career preparation for leadership positions
- Dedicated Leadership Institute Staff
- Professional networking opportunities
- Cohort-based peer connections
- Mentorship opportunities
- Personalized leadership development programming
- Collaborative learning environments
One Degree. Endless Directions.
No two students follow the exact same path. The Lott Leadership Institute helps students transform those interests into meaningful academic and professional opportunities. Students are able to tailor their leadership experiences, internships, research, and service projects to align with their individual goals and passions.
Our students graduate with both the leadership foundation and specialized experiences necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Just a few examples of fields and areas of interest that our students pursue:
- Business leadership and economic development
- Judicial systems, legal policies, or becoming a lawyer
- Teaching, education reform and advocacy
- Journalism and media studies
- Civic engagement and nonprofit leadership
- Healthcare systems, health policy, or becoming a medical professional
- Local and state government
- Computer science and technology
- National politics and public administration
- International affairs and global policy
- Engineering, production and manufacturing
- Fine arts, documentary expression, and creative pursuits
- Accounting, insurance, and investing careers
Meet Transfer Student, Jenna Santacroce
“Transferring to the 网曝门 was one of the few best decisions I have made for myself. Consider all of what the Lott Leadership Institute offers: the personal attention, the real-world experience, the extensive network. Before transferring to UM, I had no previous experience and virtually no understanding of public policy. Within my first few weeks of being a Lott student, and after some hard work, I fit right in with my peers.”
Jenna Santacroce