McClinton Scholars Cohort 9 – Spring 2026 Application Now Open

Applications are now open for Cohort 9 of the McClinton Scholars Program, a structured leadership and academic development initiative designed for undergraduate students in the Metropolitan Atlanta area. The program provides a semester-long opportunity for students to deepen their professional readiness, strengthen leadership skills, and benefit from one-to-one mentorship with experienced professionals.

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors across all majors, the McClinton Scholars Program supports students who are ready to invest in their personal and academic growth. Through weekly development sessions, guest speakers, mentorship meetings, and a culminating research project, the program equips participants with practical tools and experiences that prepare them for competitive career pathways.

More information on the program’s mission and approach can be found on the official McClinton Scholars website and through resources such as the 16 Personalities assessment, available at: https://www.16personalities.com.

Program Expectations and Structure

The McClinton Scholars Program runs similarly to a semester-long academic course, requiring consistent attendance, communication, and engagement. Students should be prepared to take an active role in their learning while meeting weekly expectations.

Key program components include:

Weekly assignments designed to build leadership and career readiness
Completion of a professional certification
A final research project presented during the end-of-cohort showcase
Attendance at hybrid meetings, including:
- Approximately two in-person meetings per month
- Twice-weekly virtual sessions
- Evening activities typically held from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Invitations to sessions with guest speakers and professionals across industries
A bi-weekly mentorship relationship with a dedicated mentor

Students are expected to participate fully, demonstrate initiative, and communicate regularly with mentors and program staff.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be:

Current undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors
Enrolled at a college or university within the Metropolitan Atlanta area
Able to commit to the hybrid schedule and full program duration
Willing to complete the required 16 Personalities quiz and submit their results as part of the application

All majors are encouraged to apply.

Application Timeline

Applicants should review the following deadlines carefully:

Application Deadline: December 16, 2025 at 10:00 PM EST
Interviews: December 18–22, 2025
Decision Letters Released: December 27, 2025
Orientation: January 10, 2026

The online application requires approximately 15 minutes to complete.

How to Apply

Prospective scholars may submit their application through the official link below:

Apply Here:
https://lnkd.in/e4WqAFxC

Students will be asked to provide basic information, emergency contact details, results from the 16 Personalities assessment, and short written responses about their goals, motivation, and interest in the program.

Why Apply to the McClinton Scholars Program?

Students selected for Cohort 9 will gain access to a comprehensive professional development experience, including:

A structured semester of leadership and academic skill-building
Personalized mentorship from professionals invested in student success
Career development workshops and engagement with guest speakers
Certification opportunities that enhance employability
A final research project with presentation experience
A supportive community of motivated peers and mentors

The program is ideal for students who are ready to grow, take initiative, and actively engage in opportunities that shape their future.

Conclusion

The McClinton Scholars Cohort 9 Application offers a meaningful, transformative experience for undergraduate students seeking leadership development, mentorship, and professional preparation. With its strong curriculum, dedicated support network, and hands-on learning opportunities, the program serves as a powerful platform for students who are committed to achieving academic and career excellence.