Join PEGS at KSU!

The President’s Emerging Global Scholars cohort, or PEGS, prepares tomorrow’s leaders to actively engage in their communities, develop global competencies, and grow as exceptional scholars.

PEGS is more than just a cohort program – it’s a launchpad for future global leaders. The programming provided in the PEGS program equips students to apply for elite graduate programs, prestigious scholarships and fellowships, and exceptional career opportunities. 

PEGS is available to first-year, full-time students only.

ksu President’s Emerging Global Scholars PEGS study abroad

 

Program Benefits

  • Challenge yourself with dynamic courses built on the PEGS core pillars of leadership, service, global engagement, and professional development. 
  • Step into leadership through one-of-a-kind experiences on the KSU campus adjacent to the dynamic, global city of Atlanta. 
  • Experience the world with fully integrated study abroad programs in Central America and Europe. 
  • Make an impact through local and international community service. 
  • Earn scholarships through both internal and external awards to help support your journey. 
  • Students in this program earn the PEGS minor.
  • Embrace the full experience of the KSU Journey Honors College, with all its perks and opportunities. 

Core Values

As an elite cohort program within KSU Journey Honors College, the PEGS program evidence commitment to fostering the following in its students, faculty, and mentors:

  • Academic Excellence
  • Individualized and Unique Learning Opportunities
  • Community Engagement
  • Character Development
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Leadership Skills
  • Local, National, and Global Learning

kennesaw state honors pegs cohort study abroad

Study Abroad Experiences

PEGS students take part in two transformative study abroad experiences, one in Costa Rica and another in Europe, where they engage in meaningful service and immerse themselves in the local culture, broadening their global perspective and impact. The first-year international travel occurs during Spring Break.  The second-year international travel occurs during the Maymester period. Learn more about each experience below!

kennesaw state honors PEGS cohort study abroad

Study Abroad in Central America

Students explore key issues in the Global South by examining the historical, political, economic, and environmental landscape of Costa Rica. During Spring Break, they travel to San José and Sarapiquí to bring course concepts to life through hands-on learning. Experiences include city tours, museum visits, community service, and ecotourism activities that highlight Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity and culture.

 

Activities include: 

  • Tour an organic pineapple farm while contributing to a reforestation project
  • Hike through lush Costa Rican rainforests and experience the country’s rich biodiversity
  • Go whitewater rafting on scenic rivers 
  • Volunteer at Obras del Espíritu Santo, a vibrant community orphanage in San José
  • Soar through the treetops on a ziplining excursion
  • Engage in meaningful service at a local school while connecting with the community
kennesaw state honors pegs cohort study abroad

Study Abroad in Europe

In Europe, PEGS students have explored vibrant cities and historical landmarks across countries like Poland, Germany, and Italy. 

 

Highlights from past trips: 

  • Took an Italian cooking class
  • Visit Florence’s Boboli Gardens
  • Toured local artisan shops in Motepulciano
  • Toured Munich’s Old Town, the Royal Residence, and Beer Halls
  • Learning about divided Berlin by visiting the Berlin Wall, and “Life Under Communism” museum
  • Strolled through Royal Lazienki Park and toured royal buildings
  • Visited the Polin Museum, dedicated to the nearly 1,000 years of Jewish history 
  • Visited the Malbork Castle, home to the Knights of the Tautonic Order and fully restored after being destroyed at the end of WWII 
  • Participated in a service opportunity at an Italian children's hospital 

Learn more about PEGS experiences here! 

Hear From Past PEGS Students

“The international travel is by far the most impactful experience I've had. It truly opened my mind to different perspectives and deepened my appreciation for exploring new places and cultures.”

Jayceb D.

"The PEGS program not only allowed me to travel abroad twice, but it also allowed me to make lifelong friends."

Samuel C. 

"It was an incredible experience. The program helped us discover more about ourselves and develop the strengths we need to pursue our goals and interests. The advisors and experiences pushed me to challenge myself."

Lisa S.

 

How to Apply

The President's Emerging Global Scholars cohort is open to first-year students of any undergraduate major accepted on or before February 1, 2026, into the KSU Journey Honors College.  

  • STEP 1: Review all the criteria and eligibility to participate in the President's Emerging Global Scholars (PEGS) cohort.
  • STEP 2: On your Kennesaw State University Application, indicate interest in the KSU Journey Honors College. Complete all related questions in the KSU Journey Honors College tab of the application and indicate interest in the President's Emerging Global Scholars cohort.
  • STEP 3: Complete the essay prompt.
     

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

  • For PEGS consideration, you must be accepted to both Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College on or before February 1, 2026.
  • Students accepted to Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College after February 1 will not be considered for the PEGS Cohort.
  • KSU Journey Honors College recommends that prospective PEGS students submit their complete Kennesaw State University application eight weeks prior to the PEGS deadline for best consideration.

 

HONORS INTERVIEW DAY

  • Top applicants will be invited to attend Honors Interview Day where they will interview for one of the Fall 2026 President's Emerging Global Scholars cohort seats. Invitations will be sent out via KSU student email.

 

Apply here

Note: The application for the President's Emerging Global Scholars (PEGS) program is part of the KSU Journey Honors College application. You must receive acceptance to KSU Journey Honors College to be considered for PEGS.

 

Program Coordinators

Name
Position

  • Capstone Coordinator in the Honors College and Senior Lecturer of Anthropology

    nellwang@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3541
    ALC 5525

    Director of the President's Emerging Global Scholars Program

  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Keeping Sights Upward (KSU) Journey Honors College and Professor of Political Science

    jellio82@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-4470
    ALC 5525

  • Dean of The Keeping Sights Upward (KSU) Journey Honors College and Professor of English

    kkornwei@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-2364
    ALC 5552