Frequently Asked Questions
When is this program?
Four Star Leadership is held once a year in the summer time. The 2023 Four Star Leadership program will be held July 9-14.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2023 program are now CLOSED. Please visit the APPLY page for further details.
What is the program?
Four Star Leadership is a world-class summer leadership program that welcomes 70 of the top high school students from around the world to meet face-to-face with national and international leaders. The program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity, confronting students with practical leadership and ethical scenarios and challenging them to address them individually in a persuasive speech and writing competition, and collaboratively in an Ethics Bowl competition.
Students develop skills in team-building, persuasive speaking, persuasive writing, and collective problem solving. This is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to learn, to enhance their leaderships skills, and to potentially gain scholarships, internships and recommendations. The program is build around the core principles of CHARACTER, COMMON VISION, COMMUNICATION and CARING, which guided General Tommy Franks through a 38-year military career. These principles form a platform of discovery for the next generation of America's leaders.
What is the cost?
The program is FREE to students.
Who are the trainers?
Students will receive training from business professionals, university professors and other experts. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to interact with high-profile leaders who will teach them about leading large organizations with many competing interests and high stakes.
What should I wear to the program?
Men: While in lectures and training sessions, dress pants should be worn each day of the week. Short sleeve polo-type shirts are encouraged. Long sleeve dress shirts are also welcomed, but not mandatory. For the final event, a shirt and tie is required.
Women: While in lectures and training sessions, nice pants or skirts that sit below the knee. Short sleeve tops are allowed through the week. For the final event, nice dresses or pantsuits are required.
Both: For our tour and excursions, knee-length shorts are allowed. No sleeveless, tank tops, cut-off shirts or bare mid-drifts are allowed. No apparel containing offensive or inappropriate images or language is allowed. You may pack "work clothes" for excursions. Students should bring enough clothes to last the entire trip. However, if laundry is necessary, students may use the machines located in the dorms at Oklahoma Christian University.
Should I bring more than one pair of shoes?
Men: Dress shoes will be required during the day.
Women: Appropriate footwear to go with business casual attire.
Both: Bring comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty for our excursions. No bare feet, flip-flops or sandals will be allowed outside the dorm rooms.
What will the dorm rooms be like?
While in the dorms, each student will have one twin bed, a small writing desk, chair and small closet for clothing. These are semi-private rooms and will be great for study and restful evenings. You will need to bring bedding and towels, but do your best to pack light because you may be subject to extra baggage charges from the airlines. Be sure to bring some sort of watch and alarm clock! There will be many early mornings, and it will be important for you to be on time.
How is the weather?
It will be summer in Oklahoma when the program takes place. Highs will easily reach into the 90's and 100's. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Should I pack a lot?
We encourage you to pack lightly. This will be a challenge, but a necessity, due to the cost associated with flying. Many airlines charge additional fees for bags and overweight baggage. Participants are responsible for any charges related to baggage and/or excessive weight fees. Remember not to bring any liquids in your carry-on luggage. The Four Star program, General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum and Oklahoma Christian University do not cover charges for baggage. You will need to bring a notebook, a few different colored pens and a backpack or messenger bag to carry your materials.
Are meals included?
All of your meals will be provided while at Four Star Leadership. While on campus, the cafeteria at Oklahoma Christian University provides well-balanced and freshly prepared meals every day. If a dietary restriction is medically or religiously necessary, please submit a signed medical provider's explanation of restrictions. Optional diet fads will not be supported during the session.
Will I need to bring extra money?
Your accommodations, meals and airfare (except any baggage charges) are all covered by the program sponsors. You may choose to bring spending money for miscellaneous items while on the trip. ATM machines are also available throughout the city. You will be able to use a debit/credit card at most locations.
What if I need medical attention while at the program?
We have hired a registered nurse that will be with the program to assess any medical situations and administer medications as needed. If a student requires more serious medical attention, they will be taken to the local hospital. Cost not covered by your health insurance will be the family's responsibility.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Students are allowed to bring their cell phones. However, check with your service provider to find out if there are any restrictions to your plan. If you do not have a nationwide plan, you may incur roaming charges. The Four Star program and partner organizations will not be responsible for fees charged to cell phones.
Can I bring my camera?
Students are allowed to bring a camera for photographs. The Four Star program and partner organizations cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items you might bring from home. Please be cautious of all your belongings and be mindful of their placement during the week. With several different transportation options, keeping record of personal belongings will be crucial. Marking, tagging, labeling, etc., will help ensure that you can find your belongings among all the other students'.
Should I bring my laptop?
Students are allowed to bring their own laptop to Four Star. Remember, the Four Star program and partner organizations will not be responsible for lost or stolen items you might bring from home. Marking, tagging, labeling, etc., will help ensure that you can find your belongings among all the other students'.
What if I am shy?
It is likely that there will be media presence at the program. Please make sure you have filled out and submitted the media release form and notify us of any concerns.
Four Star Leadership is held once a year in the summer time. The 2023 Four Star Leadership program will be held July 9-14.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2023 program are now CLOSED. Please visit the APPLY page for further details.
What is the program?
Four Star Leadership is a world-class summer leadership program that welcomes 70 of the top high school students from around the world to meet face-to-face with national and international leaders. The program offers a once in a lifetime opportunity, confronting students with practical leadership and ethical scenarios and challenging them to address them individually in a persuasive speech and writing competition, and collaboratively in an Ethics Bowl competition.
Students develop skills in team-building, persuasive speaking, persuasive writing, and collective problem solving. This is an extraordinary opportunity for high school students to learn, to enhance their leaderships skills, and to potentially gain scholarships, internships and recommendations. The program is build around the core principles of CHARACTER, COMMON VISION, COMMUNICATION and CARING, which guided General Tommy Franks through a 38-year military career. These principles form a platform of discovery for the next generation of America's leaders.
What is the cost?
The program is FREE to students.
Who are the trainers?
Students will receive training from business professionals, university professors and other experts. Moreover, students will have an opportunity to interact with high-profile leaders who will teach them about leading large organizations with many competing interests and high stakes.
What should I wear to the program?
Men: While in lectures and training sessions, dress pants should be worn each day of the week. Short sleeve polo-type shirts are encouraged. Long sleeve dress shirts are also welcomed, but not mandatory. For the final event, a shirt and tie is required.
Women: While in lectures and training sessions, nice pants or skirts that sit below the knee. Short sleeve tops are allowed through the week. For the final event, nice dresses or pantsuits are required.
Both: For our tour and excursions, knee-length shorts are allowed. No sleeveless, tank tops, cut-off shirts or bare mid-drifts are allowed. No apparel containing offensive or inappropriate images or language is allowed. You may pack "work clothes" for excursions. Students should bring enough clothes to last the entire trip. However, if laundry is necessary, students may use the machines located in the dorms at Oklahoma Christian University.
Should I bring more than one pair of shoes?
Men: Dress shoes will be required during the day.
Women: Appropriate footwear to go with business casual attire.
Both: Bring comfortable walking shoes that you don't mind getting dirty for our excursions. No bare feet, flip-flops or sandals will be allowed outside the dorm rooms.
What will the dorm rooms be like?
While in the dorms, each student will have one twin bed, a small writing desk, chair and small closet for clothing. These are semi-private rooms and will be great for study and restful evenings. You will need to bring bedding and towels, but do your best to pack light because you may be subject to extra baggage charges from the airlines. Be sure to bring some sort of watch and alarm clock! There will be many early mornings, and it will be important for you to be on time.
How is the weather?
It will be summer in Oklahoma when the program takes place. Highs will easily reach into the 90's and 100's. Bring sunscreen and a hat. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Should I pack a lot?
We encourage you to pack lightly. This will be a challenge, but a necessity, due to the cost associated with flying. Many airlines charge additional fees for bags and overweight baggage. Participants are responsible for any charges related to baggage and/or excessive weight fees. Remember not to bring any liquids in your carry-on luggage. The Four Star program, General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum and Oklahoma Christian University do not cover charges for baggage. You will need to bring a notebook, a few different colored pens and a backpack or messenger bag to carry your materials.
Are meals included?
All of your meals will be provided while at Four Star Leadership. While on campus, the cafeteria at Oklahoma Christian University provides well-balanced and freshly prepared meals every day. If a dietary restriction is medically or religiously necessary, please submit a signed medical provider's explanation of restrictions. Optional diet fads will not be supported during the session.
Will I need to bring extra money?
Your accommodations, meals and airfare (except any baggage charges) are all covered by the program sponsors. You may choose to bring spending money for miscellaneous items while on the trip. ATM machines are also available throughout the city. You will be able to use a debit/credit card at most locations.
What if I need medical attention while at the program?
We have hired a registered nurse that will be with the program to assess any medical situations and administer medications as needed. If a student requires more serious medical attention, they will be taken to the local hospital. Cost not covered by your health insurance will be the family's responsibility.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Students are allowed to bring their cell phones. However, check with your service provider to find out if there are any restrictions to your plan. If you do not have a nationwide plan, you may incur roaming charges. The Four Star program and partner organizations will not be responsible for fees charged to cell phones.
Can I bring my camera?
Students are allowed to bring a camera for photographs. The Four Star program and partner organizations cannot be held responsible for lost or stolen items you might bring from home. Please be cautious of all your belongings and be mindful of their placement during the week. With several different transportation options, keeping record of personal belongings will be crucial. Marking, tagging, labeling, etc., will help ensure that you can find your belongings among all the other students'.
Should I bring my laptop?
Students are allowed to bring their own laptop to Four Star. Remember, the Four Star program and partner organizations will not be responsible for lost or stolen items you might bring from home. Marking, tagging, labeling, etc., will help ensure that you can find your belongings among all the other students'.
What if I am shy?
It is likely that there will be media presence at the program. Please make sure you have filled out and submitted the media release form and notify us of any concerns.
