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Emerging Public Leaders

Emerging Public Leaders

EPL in the News

News stories about Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) participants are grouped together by the year in which they
participated in the EPL program. If you click on the year, the link will take you to that year's homepage. 

Program Sponsors

Emerging Public Leaders' Sponsors 
 

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) , a program of the Riley Institute at Furman, is made possible with generous support from the following individuals/organizations. 

Many thanks to all of you!

Online Giving to EPL

Thank you for supporting The Riley Institute’s Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) program. Your gift will help us continue this worthwhile experience for high school students and their communities. Please make sure to choose “Riley Emerging Public Leaders Program” from the drop-down menu on the giving form.

To access the online giving form, please click here. 

EPL Application

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) Application

Important: This program is designed for current high school juniors

Applications will not be reviewed until all information is complete and the following is received:

  • Application - application process is closed
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Official School transcripts — faxed, emailed or mailed to:

Melanie Armstrong

EPL Participant Forms


Required forms to attend the Emerging Public Leaders Program 
June 18-23, 2017

 

EPL Counselor Application

The Riley Institute is looking for energetic, honest, and involved counselors for its Emerging Public Leaders Program (EPL).  EPL, launched in 2003 by the Riley Institute, is an intensive, statewide, and service-oriented leadership program for 24 rising high school seniors across South Carolina. EPL students convene for a week on campus each June where they investigate topics such as engaging in the community, analyzing critical issues, practicing ethical leadership, developing communication and presentation skills

EPL Project Presentation Forms

Project Considerations and Timeline

Timeline and Budget

September Project Update form

November Project Update form

January Project Update form

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2017-18

The Riley Institute at Furman will welcome the 2017-18 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 18-23, 2017 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership.

Eighteen rising high school seniors from across South Carolina have been accepted for EPL's 15th class, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the program to 228. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

The 2017-18 EPL students in front of Furman's iconic Bell Tower: Row 1 Ronak Malde; Row 2 (l-r) Queen Trapp, Vinita Cheepurupalli, Ellery McNeil, Melody Moorehead, Farehaa Hussain, Kirsten Fisher, Erica Daly, Mitchell Beard and Jack Bingham
These students can be silly!
Breakfast and ethics discussion with Dr. Don Raber, Presbyterian College
Olivia Nelli and Ellery McNeil listening to Dr. Raber
Dr. Don Raber
Melody Moorehead asking Dr. Raber a question
Manning Snyder listening to Dr. Raber
Ronak Malde asking Dr. Raber a question
Avi Mahoney
Erica Daly asking Dr. Raber a question
Dr. Beth Pontari, professor of Psychology at Furman, discussing "Psychology, The Power of Expectations: Thinking Critically About the Way We Perceive Our World"
Kirsten Fisher
Mitchell Beard
(l-r) Melody Moorehead, Mary Laurel Patrick and Olivia Nelli
Lunch and social etiquette with Shannon Wilkerson Wilson
Shannon Wilkerson Wilson speaking about business etiquette
Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2017-18
More on business etiquette
Students enjoying lunch and practicing their new skills
Dr. Cynthia King, professor of Communications Studies at Furman, speaking about "Honing Your Presentation and Public Speaking Skills"
Mary Laurel Patrick
Vivian Karamitros
Farehaa Hussain
Queen Trapp
Vinita Cheepurupalli
The students visit Frazee Dream Center
Learning more about the community work being done at the Frazee Dream Center
Avi Mahoney (r)
A visit to the Triune Mercy Center
Pat Parker, Associate Director, welcoming the students to the Triune Mercy Center
Pat Parker talking to the students about "Understanding Poverty and Homelessness"
Dr. Erik Ching, professor History at Furman, discussing "Global Poverty and Evidence Based Leadership"
Dr. Erik Ching
It has been a long and busy day! Students now enjoying an evening at White Oaks for swimming and a cookout
Students at White Oaks
Students at White Oaks
(l-r) Vinita Cheepurupalli, Queen Trapp, Kirsten Fisher and Tejas Patel
The students gather to hear Carol Goldsmith, WYFF News Channel 4, speak about "Real News vs. Fake News and How to Publicize your Service Project in the Press"
Carol Goldsmith
Dawn Dowden, Chief Operating Oficer at Homes of Hope
Dawn Dowden speaking about "All is Not Lost"
The students in the Greenville City Council Chambers learning "How Does Government Work?"
Greenville Councilman George Fletcher
Students listening to Glenis Redmond, Peace Center Poet in Residence, speak about "Diversity in Poetry"
Glenis Redmond and Mary Laurel Patrick
Glenis Redmond
(l-r) Tejas Patel, Melody Moorehead and Glenis Redmond
(l-r) Manning Snyder and Olivia Nelli
Lunch at the DH!
Cathy Stevens, Program Director of the White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship
Cathy Stevens speaking about "Diversity of Disability"
Students learning more about "Diversity of Disability"
Dr. Liz Smith, professor of Politics and International Affairs, speaking about "Lessons from Charleston"
Elliott Epps speaking to the students about "Linking Your Passion to Service Projects"
Elliott Epps speaking to the students
Elliott Epps leading the students in an EPL cheer
The amazing 2017-18 Emerging Public Leaders
The Emerging Public Leaders with their counselors
(l-r) Kenny Nyugen, Lucas Paquette, Katherine West, Queen Trapp, Drew Davis, Lydia Fink and Lucy Lansing

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2016-17 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 19-24, 2016 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership. This year's participants came from various high schools throughout South Carolina. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

To view each student's project description by region, click here.

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17
EPL students with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Dipali Patel with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders Program Director Melanie Armstrong
Emerging Public Leaders at Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong greets EPL alums, Welcome Luncheon
Riley Institute Research Associate Sally Morris with EPL students, Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong offers opening remarks, Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong offers opening remarks, Welcome Luncheon
Riley Institute Executive Director Don Gordon, EPL Welcome Luncheon
EPL alum and counselor Lucas Paquette
EPL alum Andrew James
EPL alum Jeremiah Drummond
Secretary Riley, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Farrell
Emerging Public Leaders, Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley speaks with counselor Kaitlyn Pugh & Bhumika Jakkaraddi, Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders Tazaya Caesar and Stephanie Gonzalez
Emerging Public Leader Jessica Cole introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Mary DeVenny introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Travis Dias introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Varsha Gopal introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Bhumika Jakkaraddi introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Brandon Jackson with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez with Secretary Riley
EPL students with Furman psychology professor Dr. Beth Pontari
EPL students work with Liz Seman, Furman's Executive Director for Corporate Engagement
EPL students Travis Dias and Mary DeVenny brainstorm ways to fundraise for their projects
EPL students Daniel Bacheschi and Tyrese Lawson brainstorm fundraising ideas with Liz Seman
EPL students Olivia McGuirt and Catherine O'Leary brainstorm fundraising ideas
Emerging Public Leaders LaDeja Bell and Brandon Jackson working during a fundraising simulation
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez
Emerging Public Leaders work on their public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi works on his public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson works on his public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Farrell works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Emma Grover works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Bhumika Jakkaraddi works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader LeAnne Davison works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Lauren Xu works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Mary DeVenny works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leaders learning about ethics from Dr. Don Raber
Emerging Public Leaders working on public speaking skills with Victoria Kirby
Emerging Public Leader Tazaya Ceasar works on public speaking
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders learning about the origins of global poverty with Furman history professor Dr. Erik Ching
EPL meeting with city councilwoman Amy Ryberg-Doyle
Emerging Public Leader Abby Askins in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary in the mayor of Greenville's seat
EPL counselors as city councillors
Emerging Public Leader Emma Grover in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Jessica Cole in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Lauren Xu in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader LeAnne Davison in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Litzel Martinez-Garcia in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Travis Dias in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Tazaya Caesar in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leaders enjoying an ettiquette luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders enjoying an ettiquette luncheon
EPL learning about art in the community with Sarah June Goldstein of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Harriet Green of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Harriet Green of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Furman music professor Ross McClain
EPL Group photo
EPL learning about leadership and the history of the civil rights movement in South Carolina with Furman history professor Dr. Steve O'Neill
Learning about poetry and diversity with famed poet Glenis Redmond
Learning about poetry and diversity with famed poet Glenis Redmond
EPL learning about diversity and disability
Riley Institute's Cathy Stevens teaching EPL students about diversity and disability
EPL learning about lessons from the Charleston 9 massacre of June 2015 with Furman professor of political science Dr. Liz Smith
EPL learning about lessons from the Charleston 9 massacre of June 2015 with Furman professor of political science Dr. Liz Smith
Learning about the life of Senator Clementa Pinckney, one of the Charleston 9 victims, from his close friend Elliot Epps
Rep. Chandra Dillard speaks to EPL students about diversity leadership
Panel discussion with Rep. Chandra Dillard, Jessica Sharp (Diversity Coordinator at Greenville Health System), Adela Mendoza (Director of the Hispanic Alliance), and Darian Blue of the Phillis Wheatley Association) speak to EPL students about diversity leadership
Adela Mendoza, Executive Director of the Hispanic Alliance
Jessica Sharp, Diversity Coordinator at Greenville Health System
Riley Institute Manager of Diversity Programs Megan Dodgens presents on examples of effective projects
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
LeAnne Davison presenting her TOPSoccer project
Abby Askins presenting her Brockman Elementary Mural project
Elizabeth Armstrong presenting her The Love of Giving project
Varsha Gopal presenting her project, which helped children at A Child's Haven
Brandon Jackson presenting his project, which connected middle school students to law enforcement mentors
Catherine O'Leary presenting her Chapin Cares project
Jessica Cole presenting her Booked for Success project
Dennis Patterson presenting his Special Education Prom project
Dipali Patel presenting her Caring Hearts project
Elizabeth Dunn presenting her project, which helped Frazee Dream Center students create their own short stories
Emma Grover presenting her Upstate Crop Hunger Walk project
Caroline Farrell presenting her project, which assisted senior citizens in learning how to maximize their technology
Jenn Griggs presenting her Care Bears & Bingo project
Lauren Xu presenting her Reedy River Cleanup project
Litzel Martinez-Garcia presenting her Asegurando Un Futuro/Ensuring a Future project
Olivia McGuirt presenting her Winter Clothing Drive project
Travis Dias presenting his Tiger Turors project