LIFT

 LaGrange’s most prestigious non-academic honor for entering students, LIFT provides a leadership-development program for 10 incoming first-year undergraduates. If you have a strong leadership/service-oriented background, consider taking part in this fun and challenging experience.

LIFT participants:

• Are selected by an application process overseen by a committee of college faculty and staff. 
• Participate in Outward Bound leadership programming during the academic year.
• Move into their Residence Halls on August 3rd and participate in the Outward Bound Experience August 4-7
• Participate in the LaGrange College Leadership Academy
• Take part in monthly leadership sessions that feature experiential learning activities and sessions with established leaders.
• Participate in a variety of service projects to promote active engagement within the college community.

In the end, LIFT is much more than just an impressive line on a résumé. It offers a complete experience designed to promote intensive personal learning and to equip participants with the tools to lead within the college and community for years to come.

The intensity of the program's leadership development curriculum begins immediately. Its first stage takes participants to one of North  Carolina Outward Bound's base camps.

 Participation in the Outward Bound experience is an expectation among selected candidates of the LIFT  program.

• The trip includes intensive four-day backpacking and rock-climbing experience through the Mt. Pisgah National Forest.
• In preparation for the trip, participants should be able to hike a total of 2-3 miles per day and be comfortable with being outdoors for extended periods of time.
• All costs associated with the trip are covered by a generous donation provided by LaGrange College Trustee Ted Beason. 

Outward Bound is the oldest, most respected outdoor educator in the world, and North Carolina Outward Bound, the oldest independent Outward Bound school in the country, knows how to open your eyes to your own potential.

Interested incoming first-year students may apply to the program by submitting an application consisting of two parts: 

• A leadership/service résumé. This should include the applicant's name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and high school name. The résumé should also include an outline of the applicant's leadership and service accomplishments as well as awards, if applicable. The selection committee is looking for candidates who have demonstrated a desire to serve others in their schools, churches, and communities.

• A short reflection that describes a prominent leader in your life:  How have they impacted you? In your opinion, what qualities make this person a respectable leader? The essay should be between 250 and 500 words; it should be submitted in a double-spaced Word document with 12 point Times New Roman font and standard margins.