Resources & Scholarships
We are committed to student success by providing a variety of support and resources to achieve your goals.
The Tools for Success
Find out about the generous scholarship opportunities for Lott Leadership/PPL students, unique programming available through the Lott Institute, and resources available at the department, college, and university levels.
Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Rising Junior
- Minimum 3.25 GPA
Strong applicants will have:
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication skills, and a demonstrated interest in public policy
Application Process:
- Contact Public Policy Leadership office for an application.
- Selection by a faculty committee.
- Deadline to apply is early April.
The scholarship is offered for $2,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.
About the Benefactor
The Copeland Scholarship for Leadership and Public Policy was established in 2018 to honor this 1961 UM history graduate who attended the University of Oxford in England as a Rhodes Scholar and graduated from Yale University’s School of Law. Mr. Dean Copeland served in the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General’s School before going into private law practice in Atlanta. Read the story about Mr. Copeland’s gift.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Rising Junior
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
- First preference is for Mississippi residents
Strong applicants will have:
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership, communication skills, and a demonstrated interest in public policy
Application Process:
- Contact Public Policy Leadership office for an application.
- Selection by a faculty committee.
- Deadline to apply is early April.
The scholarship is offered for $1,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.
About the Benefactor
The George W. Rogers, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor this UM Law School graduate who had a distinguished public service career in Mississippi and at the federal level. George W. Rogers, Jr. was a Rhodes Scholar served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1952-1977, including leadership on the Education Committee. At the national level, Rogers served as Director of Information Systems Management within the Intelligence Community Staff from 1978 to 1992. Read more about the life of George W. Rogers, Jr. (1927-2017).
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Incoming freshman
- Financial Need
Application Process:
- This scholarship is offered through the Ole Miss Women's Council.
- After admission to UM, complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application.
- Deadline to apply is January 10.
The scholarship is offered for $10,000 a year along with leadership and mentorship programs.
About the Benefactor
The Martha Dale Fritts Council Scholarship was established in 2008 by Eddie Fritts – former president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters – and the couple’s three children to honor Martha Dale Fritts. Martha Dale Fritts served on many foundations and boards, and helped host UM galas in Washington to honor former U.S. Senator Trent Lott as well as the now late U.S. Senator Thad Cochran and the late U.S. Rep. Jamie Whitten. Read further about this gift to honor Martha Dale Fritts.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Incoming freshman
- Financial Need
Application Process:
- This scholarship is offered through the Ole Miss Women's Council.
- After admission to UM, complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application.
- Deadline to apply is January 10.
The scholarship is offered for $10,000 a year along with leadership and mentorship programs.
About the Benefactor
The Patricia Lott Council Scholarship was established to honor Patricia Thompson Lott, wife of former Senator Trent Lott.
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Incoming freshman
- Financial Need
Strong applicants will have:
- Demonstrated leadership, academic abilities, and service
- Commitment to maintain leadership, academic success, and campus and community service
Application Process:
- After admission to UM, complete the UM Special Programs and Scholarship Application.
- Deadline to apply is January 10.
The scholarship is offered for $2,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.
About the Benefactor
The Patricia Thompson Lott Scholarship was established to honor the wife of Senator Trent Lott in 2005 with gifts from Lott Institute Executive Director Bill Gottshall and his wife, Donna; Lott’s State Director Guy Hovis and his wife, Sis; and Senate Secretary Gary Sisco and his wife, Mary Sue. Senator Lott continues to support this endowment to further honor Patricia. Read the story about this scholarship gift. https://libarts.olemiss.edu/scholarship-honoring-Patricia-lott-to-nurture-leaders/
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Public Policy Leadership major
- Financial Need
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Process:
- No application required.
The scholarship is offered for $2,000 a year, contingent upon available funds.
About the Benefactor
The Robert J. Haws Scholarship was established in 2011 to honor the first chair of the Department of Public Policy Leadership, who served from 2006 until his retirement in 2011. Dr. Haws joined the UM history faculty in 1969 and served as assistant director of the Honors program, interim director of the Lott Leadership Institute, and chair of the Department of History. Read more about Robert Haws’ many contributions to PPL and the university.
The Lott Leadership Institute
The Institute offers a range of programs and resources designed to engage and support students, faculty, and the community. One initiative, The Lott Leadership Lecture Series, engages students, faculty, and community in thought-provoking conversation and debate.
To enhance student experiences, the Lott Student Advisory Board plays a crucial role in recruiting efforts, peer mentoring for incoming students, coordinating alumni interaction events, and organizing special events. The Lott Peer Mentor Program supports first-year students in their transition to the University, offering professional development opportunities, support services, and a friendly face.
Additionally, the Institute’s extensive network in state and federal government makes it an excellent resource for students seeking internships. Graduates of the Institute’s programs go far and wide, and support the Institute’s mission through offering our students internship opportunities when available.
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Be Part of a Community Dedicated to Your Success
The Lott Leadership Institute nurtures a community of gifted young leaders, preparing them for influential positions in our state and nation. The LSAB and our PPL/Lott ambassadors are enthusiastic about sharing their insights and experiences with you that showcase the unique qualities of the Lott community.
Our Community -
Gain Real-World Experience
Through connections with alumni, visiting lecturers, professors, and other members of the Institute, students have a strong starting point for finding valuable internship opportunities. PPL students also may intern in the Lott Institute’s Mississippi-based social justice and education projects in the Mississippi Delta and other underserved areas.
Internships and Study Abroad -
Additional Educational Opportunities
Study with the Hertog Foundation, which offers several highly competitive and selective educational programs for outstanding individuals who seek to influence the intellectual, civic, and political life of the United States.
Hertog Foundation
Student Success Resources
Department of Public Policy Leadership
- PPL Student Lounge. You can find PPL students using the lounge to study or meet for group projects and presentations. It is also used when students have interviews for internships or jobs.
- The dedicated PPL student computer lab is available for students to print, research, and gather with other students.
- Student Lounge and Computer Lab
College of Liberal Arts
The Department of Public Policy Leadership is one of many outstanding departments in the College of Liberal Arts at UM. Therefore, the PPL students receive support from the CLA Office of Student Services, located nearby in George Hall.
- Advising & Student Services team
University
We are proud of the many different ways that our campus supports students, and encourages them to be involved on campus and beyond.
- Arts and culture experiences
- Ways to get involved on campus and grow your leadership
- Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom
- Health and wellness resources
- Registration and Financial Aid assistance
- Student advocacy and support
- Technology and learning resources
- University-wide resources