We believe everyone has the potential to be a leader and everyone can make a positive impact in their community. The Leadership Challenge Program is designed for students interested in building their leadership skills and confidence while actively participating in our vibrant campus community. At the Office of Student Engagement, we are committed to the development of student leaders and student organizations on campus. Are you ready to take the Leadership Challenge?

What is the Leadership Challenge Program?

The Leadership Challenge Program focuses on developing students into active leaders and positive change-makers. The program is divided into two phases to meet the diverse needs of AACC students. The program is free. You may begin at any time and completion of the requirements is self-paced.

Phase 1 introduces you to leadership and focuses on leading of self and others through practical skill development workshops and involvement in campus life. Students who complete Phase 1 are honored at the annual Student Engagement Honors and Awards Ceremony in April. After completing the portfolio, students are eligible to move on to Phase 2.

Phase 2 builds on your leadership experience by guiding you through expanded topics in leadership including servant leadership, ethical leadership, articulating a vision, and developing a personal leadership philosophy. Students are required to complete additional skills workshops, volunteer hours and the Leadership Development class. Students who add these components to their leadership portfolio receive a Leadership Challenge Program certificate and will be honored at the annual Student Engagement Honors and Awards Ceremony in April.

Why take the Leadership Challenge?

Through participating in the Leadership Challenge Program you will:

• Make a difference on campus, in the local community and beyond.
• Discover your top talents and learn how to develop them into strengths.
• Develop a personal leadership philosophy and skills to be a successful leader.
• Gather experiences to enrich your future applications and interviews.
• Create a leadership portfolio of your unique experience in the program.
• Join like-minded students with interest in leadership.

How do I start?

To participate in the Leadership Challenge Program you must:

• Be enrolled in at least 1 credit hour class
• Hold a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher (waived for first term students)
• Be in good standing with the college

Students who meet these requirements can register starting this summer!

How do I complete the Leadership Challenge Program?

The program is divided into two phases. You may begin at any time and completion of the requirements is self-paced. Students planning to complete both phases may take the Leadership Development class at any time.

To complete Phase 1 you must:

• Participate in a club/organization/team on campus.
• Complete five leadership development experiences (can include workshops, retreats, or conferences).
• Complete True Colors Personality Assessment.
• Complete a portfolio of your program experiences (reflection guides provided).

To complete Phase 2 you must:

• Complete Phase 1.
• Continue to participate in a club/org/team on campus.
• Complete an additional three leadership development experiences.
• Complete 16 hours of service in the community (through service-learning or independently).
• Compile a personal leadership portfolio with your experiences from the Leadership Challenge Program (reflection guides provided).

All students who complete either phase will be honored at the annual Student Engagement Honors and Awards Ceremony in April.