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Multicultural Leadership Scholars (MLS)

The Multicultural Leadership Scholars Program (MLS) supports the development of leaders from diverse backgrounds, experiences, concerns, knowledge, interests, and accomplishments. Through coursework, service, and socialization, scholars develop a deep awareness of their own values and belief systems and those of others. The program features meaningful relationships with professors and peer mentors, diverse practicum classes, career exploration, and an increased sense of community. 

MLS Students Pose on a rooftop in front of the flatirons

MLS is open to undergraduate students of all majors interested in exploring leadership academically and through community engagement. With Multicultural Leadership Scholars, students can:

  • Join a community of students who care about social justice
  • Earn a minor degree in Leadership Studies
  • Gain access to professional development, mentoring, and academic enrichment opportunities
  • Apply for need-based renewable scholarships available only to ML scholars

Our Leadership Approach

We approach leadership as a community-centered endeavor. The MLS program introduces students to the theories and practices of historical and contemporary leadership studies.  Students examine the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership and how cultural diversity, inclusivity and social justice apply to culturally competent leadership in the 21st century. Students also learn about the systems and structures that shape our understanding of the world and how they can take up an active role in shaping their communities. We encourage students to identify and leverage the values, skills, and knowledge they have obtained through their experiences in multicultural communities to create a better world for others. 

Our program is designed to provide students with an academic knowledge of leadership and connect it to their cultural funds of knowledge, provide a set of leadership skills and competencies, and serve as a laboratory for active experimentation in a range of leadership situations.  

Program activities: 

Students take part in four courses throughout their years in MLS that count towards their leadership minor. Students also enroll in a practicum in the first years of the program to better build a sense of community with their peers. MLS hosts a number of workshops and lunch and learns throughout the year to support our students’ learning and their success on CU Boulder campus. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad through a partnership with CIEE. For the first time this year, a group of our students will be traveling to Barcelona, Spain to learn more about leadership! We expect to see more incoming cohorts of ML scholars become a part of this study abroad experience. 

MLS students pose on the staircase in the Colorado state capitol building

This year we had a group of students visit the Colorado State Capitol to observe the General Assembly floor work and have lunch with Rep. Lorena Garcia and Aide Alexis Salas. 

Requirements: 

  • Enrolling in the required courses and practicum for the program
  • Declaring a Leadership minor
  • Attend MLS community events

Spotlight: 

MLS means so much to me. It's a community that’s brought me a sense of belonging, love, and support. It’s where I’ve found people who share my passion, where I’ve felt seen and connected, and became family. 

--Anastasia Gallegos-Roque

Being part of MLS has been one of the most transformative aspects of my journey at CU Boulder! It gave me a supportive, empowering community that has truly made this university feel like home! Through this program, I've had the opportunity to work alongside incredible professors and peers who constantly challenge and inspire me to grow into the best version of myself. MLS has also deepened my understanding of the world and fueled my passion to step into leadership roles that advocate for marginalized voices!  I'm forever grateful for the impact this program has had on my life and the doors it's opened for my future. 

--Shakthi Ganesh 

As a brown skin, Mexican-American, first generation college student pursuing higher education at a PWI, MLS means having a sense of home on campus. Coming into college can be frightening for many reasons, but being part of this amazing group of students and faculty of color has helped me find my place at CU Boulder. MLS has not only been a space of community, but also a space of learning and growth. Here we are encouraged to learn about leadership while also learning about each other! I am thankful to be able to share a space with brilliant minds who all share a goal of becoming leaders within the community and fighting for change in our world

. -- Melisa Arellano Ramirez

 

More information can be found about the MLS program here: https://www.colorado.edu/lsm/minor-electives-pathways/multicultural-leadership-scholars-pathway

Applications will open in Spring 2026!

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Ana Contreras ana.contreras@colorado.edu