My son received an email yesterday 1/29 to apply for the Sapphire Leadership Program for Smeal Business. This was one day after him receiving same email 1/28 then one hour later got another email recalling the email (c’mon PSU get your act together). The deadline to answer several essays and get 2 letter of recommendations geared to leadership roles will be due 2/2/15. Kind of disappointed they gave him 5 days to submit the application and lost a day by recalling the same email and then sending it again day after. With such late notice of acceptance and after waiting 4 months for a decision, I was hoping the 2nd email would have said the deadline was extended but no such luck. Anyone know if this program is worth my son scrambling to get this in by 2/2? Don’t think any scholarship money is involved.
First, I have no first-hand knowledge, mamahills, but I can empathize with trying to generate some motivation to pull a few more essays out of the hat at this point. That said (as one who doesn’t have to do the motivating 
I think the ROI is sound. Sapphire Leadership seems to be a well-regarded, delineating factor in Smeal and is noted when reviewing linked in, resumes, etc. post PSU. Are there also additional/early entry classes offered? Did he also apply to Schreyer and could he possibly “retread” some of those ideas? The fact that they contacted him gives pause too, doesn’t it?
Of course, you know your son’s workload at this point; for me, the few hours invested may generate some really positive/unique avenues/opportunities. This thread looked pretty good http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/penn-state-university-park/1276215-sapphire-leadership-program.html
Hopefully, a student can respond. Good luck!
@pilot2012 thank you for your comment and insight. And yes, he did apply for Schreyers too and yes some of those essays can be recycled to modify the questions… I think it’s the recommendation letters that he’s hesitant to request on such short notice since the application is due Monday at 5pm with all components complete. Definitely no monetary advantage and not sure about the early enroll classes. Other than the link you provided and what the website says, there’s not much info on the program. Think Sapphire student might live in North housing and looks like a business club who also participates in THON etc based on their twitter. I am loosing the battle in trying to convince him to apply at this point since he’s not even 100% sure he will attend PSU. Hearing from a student like you said can help the cause perhaps. Thanks again
@mamahills The exact same thing happened to my son! He decided not to apply for it because it was so last minute, but if he ends up choosing to go to PSU, he’ll probably apply for it next year.