Institute for Innovation and Leadership

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What is the Institute for Innovation and Leadership?

The Institute for Innovation and Leadership is a leadership cohort program designed to support sophomores and juniors from diverse academic disciplines. This program provides a structured platform for students to develop leadership skills, expand their knowledge of inter-cultural excellence, and explore innovation through guidance from industry professionals, distinguished experts, and immersive learning experiences.

Participants will engage in a variety of learning opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and practical projects. Additionally, students will have the chance to apply their insights through internships, externships, or specialized projects aligned with their interests and career goals. Through an internship experience, students will refine key workplace skills, including communication, self-motivation, leadership, accountability, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and time management.

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year closes April 18th.

The Experience

The Institute for Innovation and Leadership provides a transformative one-year experience designed to equip participants with valuable skills and insights. Spanning the fall and spring semesters, this comprehensive program includes dynamic sessions, hands-on learning opportunities, and a final showcase of innovative ideas.

Fall Semester

During the fall semester, participants take part in an immersive 9-week course that includes a variety of modules, resources, and guest speakers from diverse industries and agencies. These carefully designed sessions aim to provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for their upcoming hands-on experiences in the spring semester.

The lessons cover a wide range of important topics, including:ics, the session lessons delve into pivotal areas such as:

Intercultural Intelligence
Innovation
Branding & Networking
Leadership and Communication

Spring Semester

Throughout the spring semester, participants transition to a dynamic, hands-on learning approach that empowers them to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings. This immersive phase offers students a multifaceted learning experience, providing them with the opportunity to engage in one of the following impactful pathways:

Immersive innovation experience within an organization
CEO and/or entrepreneur mentorship
Tailored leadership or innovation project

Why should a student consider applying?

Discern and communicate an authentic professional identity through mentoring and coaching that helps you bring your best whole self to your professional goal.
Develop innovation skills by making space for the skills that you and others bring to your professional lives.
Connect with professional networks, community, and cultural capital to launch a successful career.
The institute is a paid program where students can receive up to $1,200 during the immersive spring experience.