Founded with a lead gift from Edward R. and Helen S. Hintz in 2009, the Presidential Leadership Academy (PLA) was established with the goal of developing future leaders equipped with crucial critical thinking skills and the ability to act, lead and make decisions in a world filled with complex situations. The Hintz's have remained very involved with the Academy since its inception and take great pride in helping to mold Penn Staters into the leaders of tomorrow. Through Penn State's Presidential Leadership Academy, select students will develop leadership fundamentals to thrive in an environment in which multiple dimensions of an issue are explored, diverse viewpoints are welcomed and heard, and a fully informed and respectful discourse ensues that leads to sound action.