Buckeye Student Leadership Academy

What is BSLA?

BSLA is a special program for high-achieving and rising seniors who are either first-generation college students or who attend urban and rural high schools in Ohio. Over the course of a one-day kickoff conference on Ohio State's Columbus campus and bi-weekly virtual sessions, prospective students learn more about themselves, leadership, the college experience and resources to support their success.

2026 Program Dates

We are so excited to see our incoming 2026 BSLA cohort at the Buckeye Student Leadership Academy kick-off on July 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.!

Post-kickoff schedule

All virtual programs will run on Wednesdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

  • July 29: Virtual program
  • August 12: Virtual program
  • August 26: Virtual program
  • September 9: Virtual program
  • September 16: Virtual program
  • September 23: Virtual program
  • October 3: Buckeye Preview (on campus)
  • October 6, 7 and 8: Office hours 4 to 6 p.m.
  • October 14: Virtual program
  • October 28: Virtual program
  • November 4: Virtual program
  • November 18: Virtual program

Additional program information

What we'll cover

  • Learning and motivation strategies for college success
  • Student leadership development
  • College finances and financial aid
  • Ohio State's admissions process
  • Morrill Scholarship Program
  • Honors and Scholars Programs

More exciting opportunities

At BSLA, you'll get to:

  • Build community with other students
  • Explore Ohio State's campus
  • Get help on your college admissions essay
  • Hear from current Ohio State students
  • Chat with reps from our academic colleges

Questions?

Contact us at bsla@osu.edu for more information.

Pillars of Buckeye Student Leadership Academy

Part of Undergraduate Admissions, BSLA is based on three major pillars which accelerate academic excellence:

  1. College search: BSLA empowers students to explore higher education with confidence.
  2. Academic life: Students dive into the realities of college-level academics, discovering strategies for success in rigorous coursework.
  3. Student experience: From leadership opportunities to campus involvement, students learn how to build community, find their voice and make the most of their college journey.

Phases of BSLA

Phase 1: Program sessions

July 2026–November 2026

Phase 2: Post-sessions engagement

November 2026–May 2027

Phase 3: Transition and new student orientation

May 2027–August 2027