Emerging Leadership Academy

The Emerging Leadership Academy is Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s campus-wide leader development program that turns curiosity about leadership into concrete skills and résumé-ready badges. Grounded in the CFL’s leadership competency model, the program guides students through a sequenced journey ofÌýlearning, observing, feedback and doingÌý— all in as little as aÌý single semester.ÌýÌý

Why join the Academy

Your Starting Point

Your Leadership Gains

“I want to stand out to employers.â€

A leadership statement, polished résumé language, and interview stories that prove you can collaborate, communicate, and create change.

“I’m still figuring out my leadership style.â€

Clarity about your values, strengths, and growth plan—captured in guided reflections you can revisit anytime.

“I learn best by doing.â€

Real-world leadership practice and reflection.

Recognition & Graduation CordÌý

Three Core Sessions (120 min each including dinner)

  • Leading Self → Character · Career & Self-Development · Resilience
  • Leading Others → Teamwork · Communication · Inclusion
  • Leading Change → Critical Thinking · Innovation & Creativity · Civic Engagement

Each session blends a keynote or high-impact workshop with guided reflection, so students leave with both inspiration and an action plan.

Students who participate in the Emerging Leadership Academy are recognized for their commitment to leadership development.

Each session earns aÌýdigital recognition badgeÌýthat can be added to résumés, LinkedIn profiles, and graduate school applications to showcase verified leadership experience.

Students who complete all three core workshops —ÌýLeading Self, Leading Others, and Leading ChangeÌý— earn anÌýELA cord when they graduate, recognizing their sustained engagement and achievement across the full leadership series. Sessions may be completed across semesters.

Program Outcomes

  • Confidence: Over 90 % of past participants report increased confidence in their ability to lead teams and projects.
  • Career-Readiness: Graduates highlight their digital Recognition Badges on résumés, LinkedIn, and grad-school essays—showcasing verified leadership experience.

Ready to Begin?

Register here

Have questions? EmailÌýcenterforleadership@colorado.edu or visit us in C4C S360.

Where Buffs learn to lead—one step, one insight, one action at a time.

Spring 2026 Program

February 9, 2026, 5-7 pm: Leading Self – Character/Values, workshop presented by .Ìý
March 9, 2026, 5-7 pm: Leading Others - Teamwork, presented by Col Matt Zummo, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Naval ROTC.
April 13, 2026, 5-7 pm: Leading Change - Innovation & Creativity, presented by Rick George, Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder Athletic Director Emeritus.

All sessions will be held at the Nerd Wallet Touchdown Club in the Dal Ward Athletic Center.

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