Early College Contacts: Please Share with Leadership Development Opportunity with Your Students

[Tiffany McLean]

To all:

I hope all is well, and you are staying warm! We have an incredible opportunity for early college students from across the state to participate in the Red Hat Shelton Leadership Challenge, but the deadline is February 15.

See below for more details and note that we have over $30,000 in need-based scholarships and will meet 100% for top applicants (and by top applicants, we don't mean top of class). We are looking for youth committed to making a real difference in their communities and exhibiting strong leadership potential. If you have those students please encourage them to apply.

Below is a ready to go template for you!

Warmly,

Tiffany

Use this template to email students about the Shelton Challenge!

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Subject Line: Elevate your Leadership Skills at the Shelton Challenge

 

Dear [Name], 

Are you passionate about making North Carolina a better place? The Red Hat Shelton Challenge at the Shelton Leadership Center helps high school students like you build skills and confidence to make positive changes in their communities by leading with their values.

During the program, you'll live on campus for a week, be part of an engaged community, and participate in activities designed to teach values-based leadership skills, such as ethical decision-making, social responsibility, effective communication, and more. Are you up for the Challenge?

The Priority Application Deadline is February 15, 2026. Applying by the priority deadline increases the likelihood of both admission and scholarship. 

2026 Red Hat Shelton Challenge Dates 

Challenge 1: Sunday, June 14 - Friday, June 19

Challenge 2: Saturday, June 27 - Thursday, July 2

Challenge 3: Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 17

Scholarships Available

Scholarships for the Shelton Challenge are available and can be applied for through the main program application. 1 in 3 students who attend the Shelton Challenge receive a needs-based scholarship.  

Upcoming Virtual Info Session

Virtual info sessions for prospective students and families will be held on January 15 at 6:30 p.m. EST and on February 4th at 6:30 p.m. EST. Register to attend the info session here.

Have questions about the Shelton Challenge? 

Reach out to us at sheltonc...@ncsu.edu.

Learn more and apply now!

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Tiffany L.F. McLean
Senior Associate Director

Shelton Leadership Center

District 2 Staff Senator

North Carolina State University
tiffany...@ncsu.edu

Strategic, Communication, Woo, Achiever, Activator

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