The Emerging Leadership Series (ELS) is a FREE 8-week certificate program designed to help Cal Poly students explore their unique leadership styles and develop the skills to lead with confidence and purpose. Open to all students, regardless of experience, ELS provides a supportive and inclusive learn by doing environment where students can reflect on their strengths, values, and lived experiences while learning how to lead authentically and effectively.
Through weekly workshops and activities, participants will:
- Deepen their self-awareness and understanding of leadership
- Explore leadership theories and models
- Build teamwork and communication skills in group settings
- Reflect on their identities and how these shape their Leadership approach
- Develop their own Personal Leadership Philosophy
Students will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate with peers, and participate in a service-learning experience that brings leadership concepts to life. Past participants have gone on to become Resident Advisors (RAs), WOW and SLO Days Leaders, Inter-Hoursing Council members, leaders in Greek Life, and key contributors to student clubs and organizations.
Whether you're just starting your leadership journey or looking to refine your skills, ELS is the perfect opportunity to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact!
Students in Cal Poly’s Honors Program get leadership credit for participating in the series.
Overview of the 8 weeks:
Week 1: Kick off the series by exploring what leadership truly means and building connections with your fellow participants!
Week 2: Dive into understanding your personal strengths through a fun personality assessment and explore how they shape your leadership style.
Week 3: Explore your personal identity, and learn how vulnerability plays a key role in authentic leadership
Week 4: Reflect on your values through hands on activities, and discuss how to lead groups with varying values.
Week 5: Learn how privilege and relational dynamics influence leadership.
Week 6: Focus on the power of followership and teamwork, developing collaboration skills and understanding how both leaders and follower drive team success
Week 7: Learn how leadership can be used to drive change, and reflect how you can make a difference.
Week 8: Wrap up the series by articulating your own leadership philosophy and reflect on the past 7 weeks!