Emerging Leaders Institute

Explore your potential. Develop your mind.

Emerging Leaders InstituteThe Emerging Leaders Institute is a comprehensive leadership experience that strives to help students feel connected to the institution as well as prepare them for undertaking active community roles. Participating students make a three semester commitment and, in return, receive a $250, $500, $750 scholarship at the conclusion of semesters one, two and three, respectively. Renewal into the program is based on attendance, performance and commitment to program ideologies.

How can students benefit?

  1. Develop relationships in the community with potential employers
  2. Develop the skills necessary to be a successful leader, such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, collaboration and effective communication
  3. Become an agent for change in your campus, local, and national community.
  4. Make meaningful contributions to the community through completion of two service-learning projects
  5. Participate in an array of activities specially designed to enhance your leadership potential, such as retreats, workshops, speaker series, community service opportunities and conferences
  6. Have lots of fun along the way!

The commitment

First year » Spring Semester: COLL 109 Introduction to Leadership
Second year » Fall and Spring semesters: Becoming a Change Agent; Spring Semester: Mentorship with Columbia-area leader

Criteria

Emerging Leaders InstituteSelection is based on the student’s cumulative GPA, application content, letters of recommendation and personal interview. The application asks a series of questions regarding past experience in leadership roles, areas of leadership interest, and interpretation of leadership purpose and definition and also requires the applicant to submit letters of recommendation. Throughout the selection process, the committee assesses the overall fit of each student to the program and makes the final selection.

Returning students are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA with continued involvement in the program and its activities. The selection committee will also monitor all returning students’ activity and ensure that contributions are consistent.

Complete this fillable ELI application formPDF document and e-mail it by clicking the "submit by email" button or print it out and turn it in at the front desk of the Campus Life Office on the 2nd floor of the Atkins-Holman Student Commons. Dress appropriately for all interviews.

Applications due October 9, 2009
Interviews October 12-16, 2009
Final selections announced     October 26, 2009

To find out how you can get involved, contact Elizabeth Kauffmann, director of Student Activities.