Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- As Marines approach the end of their enlistments, the crucial decision-making process of what they want to do becomes more of a reality. Re-enlistment or college are most Marines’ plans and for those seeking out the college path, the Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) is there to help.
“The Leadership Scholar Program provides planning, guidance, and transition assistance to Marines seeking undergraduate degrees,” said Heather J. Hagan, Manpower and Reserve Affairs Marine and Family Programs Division Headquarters Public Affairs Officer. “The LSP, along with installation education centers, works with Marines on a daily basis to guide them through the college admission process. Our goal with our LSP is to help Marines who are interested in attending college find a way to get into the best college they can.”
The LSP was founded as a special admissions program set up between the California State University System and Marine Corps Installations West (MCIWest) along with the Elite to Elite Academic Mission Program between the University of North Carolina System and Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEast).
“The LSP facilitates admission to colleges and universities for eligible Marines who desire an undergraduate degree after separation,” said Hagan. “The LSP has more than 220 colleges and universities participating. These range from Ivy League, large state systems and small liberal arts colleges.”
Details can be found on the LSP website, http://www.leadershipscholarprogram.com, under ‘Find A School.’
“Marines are sometimes contacted by LSP directly and encouraged to apply,” said Hagan. “To begin the process, all Marines must submit an LSP application, which is located online.”
Hagan also said that going through the LSP helps with the application process.
“LSP has established direct lines of communication with the admissions office,” said Hagan. “An LSP recommendation adds significant weight to the application. It essentially provides an advanced, singled-out ‘look’ prior to the school admissions offices making final decisions on who is offered the opportunity to enroll.”
Gery Boucher, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune education assistant branch manager, elaborated on the benefits of the LSP. “In any career decision, whether it’s to continue on with the Marine Corps or go to college, the education will always be there. But, if there is that pull to make the transition, the LSP is the opportunity to potentially open doors that would otherwise never be open,” said Boucher. “It truly is an excellent opportunity to take.”