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Civic Leadership Academy

CLA

Civic Leadership Academy logo

Mission

The Civic Leadership Academy is a co-curricular program that teaches students about their role & responsibility within a societal system. They will gain skills in self-understanding, dialogue across differences, advocating for change within a community, and self-reflective practices.


Vision

Students will grow and understand more about what type of leader they want to be, the issues of personal & public concern that they are passionate about, the ability to have conversations with people who have differing viewpoints, and how to lead during times of difficult change. The goal is for participants to understand that civic leadership is a collaborative process.


What to Expect

CLA participants will be expected to participate in all the following:

  • An overnight, off-campus retreat where participants will attend workshops, build community with one another, and discuss leadership development concepts
  • Five monthly, two-hour workshops across the academic year
  • One engagement activity, which participants will present on in a gallery-style celebration
  • Monthly one-hour small group meetings with a peer mentor
  • A final celebration dinner and recognition ceremony

Time commitment for this program across the academic year totals approximately 35 hours. CLA is a cohort-style program, allowing participants to join any year and advance through the program together. This allows for multi-generational learning and experiences.


2025-2026 CLA Cohort

Applications are open now through September 12, 2025!


CLA Mentors

After completing the program, members are able to apply to become a peer mentor for the program. Mentors will be considered part of the program's facilitation team. As a mentor, you will be responsible for coaching the next generation of cohorts. This is a volunteer leadership role within the program expected to be able to commit 4-5 hours per month. The following are expectations of a CLA Mentor:

  • Required attendance at overnight retreat
  • Required attendance at all sessions, which are held once per month
  • Monthly Peer Mentor meetings with a group of 4-8 mentees to discuss material
  • Monthly team meeting with CLA admin

You will also:

  • Get access to training newly updated research about Civic Leadership
  • Help recruit the newest cohort of CLA students
  • Act as a voice & advocate for current CLA students

This can be a great opportunity to:

  • Improve your coaching and mentoring skills
  • Meet new people and continue the CLA fun and excitement
  • Learn new Civic Leadership skills
  • Connect with others who have different perspectives
  • Practice your leadership and facilitation skills
  • Get more involved with VT Engage!

2025-2026 Student Program Facilitator

Isaac Eshleman
Isaac Eshleman
Jaret Davison
Sofia Quilaqueo
Sofia Quilaqueo
Lilliana Escobar
Adi Namdev
Gavin O’Brien
Gavin O’Brien

Civic Leadership Academy group portrait

Request for Accommodations & Other Questions

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, welcome! Please contact Tony Trimpe or Billy McKeon during the application process or at least 10 days before the retreat date.

All other questions about this experience can be directed to our team as well. We look forward to having you participate in our program!