High School Programs

Our commitment is to the development of young leaders in Mississippi, the United States, and around the globe.

Student working on a project

“My experience in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute's summer programs was immense when I made my college decision. The program provided me with unparalleled insight into the aspirations this place has for its students, the connections it gives its students, and the opportunities students in the institute have at their disposal. All of this compiled with a sublime group of individuals made such an impact on me that I wanted to come back and be a part of it at the university level.”

Andrew Harrison Foxworth

Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 12th Graders Participant

Our Commitment is to the Future

A fundamental (and foundational) part of this commitment is formed through our high school programs, offered in partnership with The University of Mississippi’s Division of Outreach and Pre-College Programs.

The high school programs currently offered by the Trent Lott Leadership Institute serve a variety of groups, including Mississippians entering high school, students entering their senior year of high school, and students engaged in their communities in non-traditional ways.

Girl shaking hands with Chancellor

My Experience

“The Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 12th Graders truly changed my path to college for the better. As a junior in high school, I had no idea what a career in public policy leadership could look like. After participating in the Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 12th Graders, I saw how the Trent Lott Leadership Institute develops young people who want to be positive change agents in any field, from state government to nursing to engineering. The program introduced me to alumni working as legislators, lobbyists, attorneys, and nonprofit leaders in every sector, and by engaging with these leaders I was able to discover how to turn my own academic interests into a career. I left the program knowing that earning a degree in public policy leadership through the Lott Leadership Institute would prepare me to be a leader in any setting.”

Grace Dragna

Yearly Programs

We offer programs throughout the year to all levels of high school students. If you are interested in getting involved with the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, come join us!

SPONSORED BY THE TRENT LOTT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND DIVISION OF OUTREACH

The Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 9th Graders is dedicated to cultivating civic-mindedness in students by deepening their understanding of how state and local governments affect individuals and communities. Students will engage with local leaders, take part in hands-on workshops led by practitioners, sharpen their leadership skills, and immerse themselves in real-world experiences. A full-day exploration of a local community will provide opportunities to connect with government officials and apply tangible skills learned in the classroom through a community service project, fostering a deeper connection to the community.

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RISING 9TH GRADE PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:
Office of Pre-College Programs
precollege@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-7621

Learn more at the Office of Pre-College Programs!

SPONSORED BY THE TRENT LOTT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND DIVISION OF OUTREACH

Pathways to Leadership offers an in-depth exploration of leadership, community development, civics, ethics, and character building. High school sophomores and juniors apply classroom concepts through a community development project crafted in collaboration with local leaders. The focus of this program is on active engagement within this region. At Pathways to Leadership, faculty members extend campus programming to communities across the South, connecting high school and community leaders with a wealth of opportunities at The University of Mississippi.

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT:
Office of Pre-College Programs
precollege@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-7621

Learn more at the Office of Pre-College Programs!

SPONSORED BY THE TRENT LOTT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND DIVISION OF OUTREACH

Emerging Leaders is an immersive experience where high school juniors and seniors reside on campus, gaining a glimpse into college life. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with networking opportunities and a current student leader panel. On Saturday, participants engage in a series of workshops and breakout sessions led by UM faculty and professionals. These sessions will cover the nuances of leadership. Students also partake in an application session designed to help them translate the skills acquired during the weekend back into their own communities.

 

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING EMERGING LEADERS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Office of Pre-College Programs
precollege@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-7621

Learn more at the Office of Pre-College Programs!

 

What Students are Saying

“Before attending the Emerging Leaders program in December of my senior year, I did not view The University of Mississippi as an option. Through the programming, especially the current students panel, I began to see how much The University of Mississippi and especially the Lott Leadership Institute had to offer. My experience with Emerging Leaders encouraged me to connect with my Ole Miss admissions counselor, Shelby-Rae, who guided me through the application process. While my [Stamps] scholarship offer and acceptance to the Public Policy Leadership program were the primary reasons I decided to attend The University of Mississippi, I would have never applied had I not attended the Emerging Leaders program.”

 —Juan Ramon (J.R.) Riojas

 

SPONSORED BY THE TRENT LOTT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND DIVISION OF OUTREACH

The Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 12th Graders is the Institute’s flagship program, allowing students to enroll in courses and earn college credit while enhancing their leadership abilities. Students further learn about ethical leadership in professional settings and political science. Students apply the skills they acquire in the classroom through service projects and a visit to our nation’s capital, where they engage with government and industry leaders to assess the current state of leadership. If you are a junior in high school who is interested in leadership, we have a question for you: Are you ready — for an experience that could change your life? 

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RISING 12TH GRADE PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT:
Office of Pre-College Programs
precollege@olemiss.edu
(662) 915-7621

Learn more at the Office of Pre-College Programs!

Katelin Hayward Traylor

Looking to learn more about the Institute's High School Programs?

Reach out to Program Manager Katelin Hayward Traylor to discover more about the four dynamic programs offered year-round by the Trent Lott Leadership Institute for rising ninth graders through current high school seniors!

Katelin Hayward Traylor

Program Manager

A group of high school students wearing matching blue Ole Miss T-shirts stand in a courtroom in front of the great seal of Mississippi.
Community

Trent Lott Leadership Institute's Rising Ninth Graders Visit Grenada

Campus Partners

Get information on summer programs or more information about the college.

Division of Outreach & Continuing Education

The mission of the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education is to serve the University and the community by facilitating and providing high-quality learning experiences.