The ADVANCE! Leadership Experience

ADVANCE! is a leadership program especially designed for Juniors and Seniors interested in further developing their leadership skills. With the support of peers, administrators, and alumni, you will have the opportunity to fully discover your leadership potential.

Over the course of the spring semester, 12 talented students will engage in a comprehensive and challenging leadership experience which will allow you to:

1. create a vision for your leadership and an action plan for mastering your skill set
2. explore leadership theory with a group of your peers
3. gain mentorship in the professional interest of your choice
4. partner with alumni on a leadership project at a work site
5. create a leadership portfolio to accompany your professional curriculum vitae

The program takes place during the spring semester and students meet weekly to focus on different skill challenges. The training modules are comprised of guest alumni presentations, interactive workshops, team challenges, and leadership theory discussions. After six weeks of preparation, students embark on their fieldwork assignments. Each student is charged with finding/developing projects with the guidance of their supervisors that will test their leadership development and offer them a real life practicum for growth. All students present their findings at the culmination in May.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a $300 stipend and a certificate to add to their LEAD Record. Metrocards for the 8-10 weeks of fieldwork are also supplied free of charge.

ADVANCE! is sponsored by the CC/SEAS Office of Student Development and Activities, the Center for Career Education, Columbia College Alumni Affairs and Development and Engineering Development and Alumni Relations. For questions about the program, email sdalead@columbia.edu.

Application deadline extended! Applications are due Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 11:59pm. Apply today! Space is limited and admissions is on a rolling basis.