FAQ

What are the characteristics of an HLT Emerging Leader?
Participants are similar in a variety of ways and can be described in the following manner:

• Have a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) or submit an essay about why their past academic performance is not indicative of future success
• Have leadership potential that is demonstrated by academic, community, church, employment and/or athletic activities and awards and honors
• Are willing to do the hard work it takes to be successful
• Would like to attend a selective college or university
• Can be a strong contributor in a group of Houston’s best and brightest students
• Would like to be a leader in Houston at some point in their career

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
These eligibility requirements must be met before an application is reviewed. Applicants must be:

• African American/Black, Latino/Hispanic, or Native American
• High school juniors
• Enrolled in a Greater Houston area public, private or charter high school in one of the following counties: Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, Waller or Chambers

Can I apply if my GPA if less than 3.5?
Yes. Students if your GPA is less than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale you may apply, but are required to submit an essay describing why your past academic performance is not indicative of future success.

What In I AM NOT INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN BUSINESS?
The HLT experience is preparation for leadership in any field including science, technology, engineering, medicine, music and the arts, public administration, as well as for career in business.

WHAT INFormation Is REQUESTED ON THE Application?
In addition to the required information the application has optional information you may submit to further support your candidacy.

Required Information
In addition to personal and family information, the application requires the submission of the following information.

• High school transcript with calculation of GPA and explanation of grading system – Official copy
• PSAT scores – Official copy
• SAT scores  – Official copy if you have taken the SAT
• ACT scores – Official copy if you have taken the ACT
• Extracurricular activities, awards and honors
• Four – five essays that are typically 250 – 400 words eac
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Optional Information
You may submit Option A, Option B or both. Neither is required and the guidelines are provided in the application. 

• Option A: A one-minute video of you
• Option B: Other Information that makes you stand out among other high-achievers.

How do I UPLOAD ITEMS TO ACCOMANY MY APPLICATION?
The application provides links and instructions on how to upload a letter of recommendation, an official copy of test scores and your transcript, and optional video, audio and document/image submissions.

Are HLT candidates interviewed?
Applicants will not be interviewed. However, the application provides two options for you to submit additional information to further support your candidacy. You may submit Option A, Option B or both. Neither is required.

How many students from each school may apply to the HLT Program?
There is no limit. All qualified students are encouraged to apply.

How many students from each school may apply to the HLT Program?
Yes. Complete the HLT Class of 2013 online application available at www.houstonleaders.org.

How do I get AN APPLICATION?
The application is completed online and will be available at www.houstonleaders.org

WHAT BROWSER DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE APLLICATION?
The application software is by ReviewRoom and is compatible with Internet Explorer 6 or higher, FireFox and Chrome.

When is the application due?
Round One: February 1, 2012
Round Two: March 1, 2012

What is the difference between Round One and Round Two?
The submission deadline date is the only difference between Rounds One and Two. While this is a very competitive process, there is no advantage to applying in one round versus another. With the deadline dates in mind, we suggest submitting an application when confident that it is the best representation of you. 

It is a good idea to start early so there will be adequate time to submit a complete application and to decide whether or not to further support your candidacy with the optional information that may be submitted.

WHEN IN THE LEADERHSIP SUMMT HELD?
The Leadership Summit takes place over the course of two weeks in June and there is a one-day Orientation. The dates will be detemined in ealry 2012.

• Leadership Summit Orientation (Rice University) — June TBD 2012
• Leadership Summit Part I  (University of Houston) — June  TBD, 2012
• Leadership Summit Part II  (Rice University) — June  TBD, 2012

WHAT IS THE COST?
Participants are not required to pay a fee to apply to or participate in the HLT Program, but there is a requirement of strong commitment to full attendance, participation and personal growth. Parents are encouraged to support HLT by participating as volunteers and making a voluntary financial contribution.

HLT Emerging Leader Attendance
HLT Emerging Leaders are required to attend the entire Leadership Summit during which they participate in sessions during the day and stay in a dormitory overnight. Attendance at the Orientation is also required. (Parents are required to attend Orientation also.)

Parent Participation
In addition to attending the Orientation there are several ways parents can participate.  Male and female chaperones are needed to stay overnight in the dorms, to supervise evening recreational activities and go on learning journeys that require leaving campus. Parents can also assist with logistics and meal distribution.

We ask each family to support HLT with a donation. Financial support is completely voluntary. However the goal is to have full participation of families, so no amount is too small. The suggested donation amounts are below.

Are HLT programs held during the school year?
The cornerstone of the HLT program is the HLT Leadership Summit, an intensive on-campus assembly of the Houston area’s high-achieving high school seniors that includes workshops, seminars and learning journeys.  There may be  activities during the school year, as well as unique and enriching program events sponsored by HLT program partners. 

WHAT ARE THE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Transportation ARRANGeMENTS?
HLT Emerging Leaders are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Leadership Summit and are not permitted to have a vehicle on campus during the Leadership Summit.