A new program being offered at Wallace State Community College will give select students opportunities to develop leadership skills as well as earn scholarship funds towards their education.

The Lions Leader program of the Wallace State Community College Alumni Association will kick off this fall as the college gears up for a year’s worth of celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the creation of the school. The program will give the students opportunities for networking with people at events on and off campus and to act as role models within the college and the community.

“We have some wonderful students at Wallace State,” said LaDonna Allen, Alumni and Special Projects Coordinator. “The Lion Leader program will allow students the chance to meet people in government, business and industry while acting as representatives of Wallace State at college events and activities. It’s a win-win situation.”

Part of that win-win is a $500 scholarship each semester for the students selected as Lion Leaders and who volunteer a minimum of 30 hours each fall and spring semester.  Students may reapply each year and must meet outlined criteria to remain in the organization and retain their scholarship.

Eligibility will be based a number of factors. The student must be currently admitted or enrolled by the fall semester, be in good academic standing with a 2.75 or higher GPA (WSCC or high school), and complete the Lion Leader Application Packet and interview process.

Students Alumni Association members are given priority for the scholarships, Allen said. Membership is open to any student enrolled in the college and requires a $15 annual membership fee. Other selection criteria includes:

• Dedication to the organization and ability to commit required hours;

• Sincere desire to represent WSCC and to be a student leader;

• Ability to adapt to a variety of situations;

• Ability to make a positive first impression and to work well with others;

• Responsibility, dependability, and enthusiasm.

The Lion Leaders will be a group of 10, split equally between male and female students. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1, 2015, and can be accessed at www.wsccalumni.org/lionleader2015. Along with the application, students must also turn in a transcript (unofficial is acceptable), resumé, letter of recommendation and a photo. If selected as a finalist, they will complete an interview process.

Application packets may be submitted using the link above, turned in at the Alumni Association on the 11th floor of the Bailey Center, or mailed to the Alumni Association at P.O. Box 568, Hanceville, AL, 35077.

For more information about the Lion Leader program, contact Allen at 256-352-8071 or ladonna.allen@wallacestate.edu.