Boulder-CU Leadership Program
The Boulder-CU Leadership Program (BCLP) is an impactful and flexible mentorship initiative that connects CU Boulder students with leaders from the Boulder-area community. This program is focused on leadership-specific mentorship and skill building, uplifting tomorrow’s leaders to address the most pressing and complex professional and global issues. This powerful collaboration between the Center for Leadership and the greater Boulder community leverages mentors' specific expertise to help students navigate every day and strategic challenges they face, driving leadership development and fostering personal growth among participants.
Program Overview
The BCLP formally runs from October through April each academic year. However, we accept and match student applications through February 1, offering flexibility to accommodate varying schedules. BCLP pairs students with mentors based on leadership goals, preferences, and backgrounds to ensure meaningful and impactful matches.
Our BCLP mentors not only provide guidance on leadership skill development, but they also bring a wealth of life experiences to learn from and grow. Our mentors take pleasure in working with our students and forming a connection while sharing their knowledge from their personal and professional lives.
We have seen first hand the immense value of cross-disciplinary mentorship for personal and leadership growth. Engaging with mentors from diverse professions can broaden perspectives, spark innovative thinking, and enhance problem-solving skills, making your leadership journey even more enriching. If you are wanting a mentor in your specific field of study, we recommend exploring the Forever Buffs Mentorship Program (Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program | Alumni Association | University of Colorado Boulder).
Deliverables and Commitments
Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of 14 hours of mentorship throughout the program.
Students are expected to:
- Initiate contact with mentors after being matched
- Complete a BCLP Expectations Agreement (link to a pdf downloadable version)
Complete a Midpoint Check-in through memo or in-person/virtual meeting (link to Forever Buffs Network template)
- Provide a Final Reflection and Feedback Discussion
Mentors are expected to:
- Sign the Expectations Agreement
- Provide a Final Feedback Discussion at the conclusion of the program (link to Forever Buffs Network template)
Who is eligible to participate in the BCLP?
All CU Boulder students who are committed to self-growth and leadership development are encouraged to apply. Additionally, leaders from the Boulder area who are willing to volunteer their time to help develop future leaders are also encouraged to apply. The program is free for all participants.
Great Mentors Focus on the Whole Person, Not Just Their Career, by Rick Woolworth, is a fantastic article that correlates directly to our holistic approach to mentorship!
You can read about the program's community impact in the Boulder Daily Camera!
Apply Now!
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please note the Mentor Criteria for Community and Business Leaders:
- Strong volunteer
- Passionate about the importance of strengthening tomorrow's leaders
- Available and flexible to engage in the program
- Confident in the ability to develop leadership skills
- Willing to commit to 14 hours of mentoring/discussion time with the students during the academic year
If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please note the Mentee Criteria for CU Leadership Students:
- Current CU Boulder student (undergraduate or graduate)
- Dedicated to self growth and leadership development
- Engage in required assignments, including the Expectations Agreement and mid-point reflection
- Adhere to all requirements of the CU Honor Code
- Willing to commit to 14 hours of mentoring/discussion time with a mentor during the academic year
If you have any questions, please reach out to chloe.nicklas@colorado.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓 Application & Eligibility
How do students get into the program?
We have students apply through this link and we accept all applications!
Who can participate? Undergraduate or graduate students?
The program is open to all students, both undergraduate and graduate!
Can I participate more than once and get matched with another mentor?
Yes! We encourage you to continue our program and keep making connections through BCLP!
🤝 Program Experience & Mentorship
What sets BCLP apart from other mentorship programs?
BCLP is a leadership mentorship program that pairs students with leaders in the Boulder community. The difference between other programs is that we emphasize finding your leadership identity, values, and developing leadership skills.
Have most of the mentors participated in the program before?
Yes! We have a nearly 80% retention rate of our mentors and a strong mentorship community here at BCLP!
🏅 Badges & Graduation Credentials
What are digital badges?
A digital badge is a tangible representation of an individual’s competencies and skills. They are designed to be easily shareable and verifiable, typically containing verifiable data such as the badge earner's name, the issuing organization, and the criteria met to earn the badge. It's kind of like a verified check on Instagram for the professional world! Learn more here.
What is the graduation cord? Is it specific to BCLP?
The graduation cord given at the completion of the program deliverables is our leadership cord at the Center for Leadership. Similarly, if you completed the Emerging Leadership Academy’s deliverables, the same cord would be issued.
