An honors program: directing our future leaders.

Development of future leaders is a priority of nurse educators. In this article an honors program, which was initiated to prepare students who would contribute to nursing science and become effective leaders, is described. The process used to gain faculty and administrative support is highlighted. The discussion also includes specifics regarding recruitment and selection of students and sequencing of courses. Evaluation of the program suggests that graduates assume leadership positions within the profession. Honors programs such as this one help to prepare leaders and scholars for tomorrow.