Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute Nomination Information
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute (OSLI) was established through a generous gift to The University of Akron from Jim and Vanita Oelschlager. Thanks to their extraordinary support, 30 local high school students are selected each year to participate in a three-day summer workshop held on The University of Akron’s campus. The program is organized with college mentors and full-time staff.
OSLI is designed to empower high school students by introducing them to the essential skills, attitudes, and resources needed for success in college. This engaging and challenging experience encourages participants to develop positive habits and take advantage of available resources as they prepare to become high-achieving collegiate leaders and scholars.
What are the dates of the Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute, and where does it take place?
OSLI 2026 will have one (1) session for up to 30 participants. The session will be from July 22-2024, 2026. Most of the Institute takes place on the University of Akron’s main campus. When the Institute goes off-site for activities, the Institute coordinates all travel.
Who is eligible to participate?
High school students nominated by their school counselor who have completed their junior years in the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne, as well as some students in the Stahlstown, Pennsylvania area are eligible to participate. Participants must have a high school grade point average of less than 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale). Students must: (1) demonstrate significant involvement in leadership and/or service and (2) be recognized as having future potential for leadership and scholastic achievement.
2026 High School Counselor Nomination Form
Due April 10, 2026
2026 OSLI Mentee/Participant Application
Due April 15, 2026
High school counselors employed in all the eligible counties and communities are invited to nominate students from their high schools. Nomination information will be emailed in the early part of the Spring semester by the Institute’s Director. The program is ideal for high school students who have completed their junior years in the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne. Although housing is not included in the 2026 experience, some students in the Stahlstown, Pennsylvania area are invited to participate, given Oelschlager’s connection to this area.
This program seeks build and develop leaders. High school students with a grade point average below 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), who are eager to develop their leadership skills and strengthen their readiness for college success, are invited to apply.
Nominating Counselors are asked to speak to how this student (1) demonstrates significant involvement in leadership and/or service, and (2) should be recognized as having future potential for leadership and scholastic achievement.
Nomination will be received through an online form: Click Here
Students interested in participating must complete this form by April 15: Click Here
The OSLI Planning Committee then reviews all nominations. All nominees are notified of the results by May 1.
There is no cost to attend OSLI. The Institute covers the cost of curriculum materials, transportation of off-campus sites, meals, and admission to all special events.
Students will join us on campus each day for a variety of activities, including team-building exercises, individual leadership assessments, presentations from accredited speakers, group experiences, and provided meals.
OSLI is designed to motivate high school students to take full advantage of a college education. There will be a combination of leadership development, self-discovery, and community service opportunities for students to take part in, as well as group bonding and social events.
The Institute will enhance the potential for collegiate academic success by:
- Assisting students in assessing and improving learning skills such as time management, critical thinking and test-taking and learning styles
- Helping students understand the process of career decision-making
- Supplying opportunities to interact with University staff and student leaders, and
- Introducing students to the programs and resources available in college
Students will enhance their leadership and community service skills by:
- Using simulated and actual experiences from accredited speakers and University staff to explore the dynamics of leadership and service
- Interacting with current student leaders at The University of Akron to experience out-of-class leadership and learning environment on college campuses
- Participating in sessions focused on teamwork and problem-solving at UAs Field Station (Bath, OH) and on-campus at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Jim & Vanita Oelschlager
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute (OSLI) is the result of a generous gift given to The University of Akron by Jim and Vanita Oelschlager. Started in 2001, Jim and Vanita wanted to give high school students the opportunity to develop themselves and become influential leaders and contributors within their communities. Due to their unparalleled generosity, area high school students are selected to participate in a summer workshop on The University of Akron’s campus each year.
OSLI Institute Director
Dr. Alison Doehring
330-972-6467
aer15@uakron.edu
Or contact: osli@uakron.edu