You must first be admitted to Missouri State prior to applying for Bears L.E.A.D..
You can apply to Missouri State at missouristate.edu/apply.
Incoming students will wait for a letter from Admissions congratulating you on your
acceptance. Once accepted you can apply online and you will be notified of your acceptance by email.
If you are a current MSU student in your 1st or 2nd year or beyond, you can apply immediately.
Bears L.E.A.D. is a program designed with the unique needs of diverse and first generations
students in mind. All 1st and 2nd year students who identify with one of the following
are considered for participation in the program: first-generation, represents a historically
underrepresents background, or is eligible for the pell grant
Juniors, seniors, and transfer students are also able to be part of this program
There are no additional fees for participating in Bears L.E.A.D.. Students will be
responsible for normal tuition, student services fees, and room and board.
Please direct all financial aid questions to the Office of Financial Aid at 417-836-5262
or 800-283-4243.
Yes, conditionally. We assume you will be successful in completing the requirements
to continue participating with Bears L.E.A.D. for following semesters.
Requirements for Bears L.E.A.D. include the following:
Complete monthly one-on-one advising meetings with your advisor. Additional meetings
may be required on an individual basis and depending on student’s needs.
Attend 4 out of 5(80%) of monthly workshops. Alternate, non-Bears L.E.A.D. workshops
may qualify at your Bears L.E.A.D. advisor's discretion.
No. While attending orientation is strongly encouraged for new incoming students,
there is not a requirement.
Freshmen and sophomore students are eligible for a book stipeng at the end of each
semester upon the completion of their participant requirements.
Proactive advising requires frequent contact between student and coordinator in order
to achieve goals related to student success. The coordinator will assist with identifying
any barriers a student may be experiencing, as early as possible. When barriers are
identified the coordinator will initiate contact with student rather than waiting
on the student to express concerns.
No. Only one-on-one advising appointments and monthly workshops are required. There
are several other optional events and activities offered to Bears L.E.A.D. students
throughout the academic year. Community service and other forms of community engagement
are also encouraged in the program.
Please email BearsLEAD@Missouristate.edu or your assigned advisor as soon as possible
to let us know that you have changed your plans. This allows students on the waitlist
to have the opportunity to participate.
