Get Involved
How will you lead as a Leadership Affiliate Buff?
As a valued member of CU Boulder’s Leadership Program Affiliate Network, you’re part of a collaborative community committed to expanding access to meaningful, high-quality leadership development. Whether you're looking to connect with fellow affiliates, access shared tools and resources, or launch new initiatives, there are many ways to stay engaged.
Together, we’re building a leadership ecosystem that honors the uniqueness of each program while advancing a shared vision: a world where leaders of character meet the needs of humanity.
A-Lab is a leadership accelerator for CU Boulder faculty and staff who direct affiliate programs. Participants engage in a five-day immersive experience—featuring national and campus-based training in leadership theory, pedagogy, and systems thinking—followed by a multi-year innovation process.
Affiliate directors receive grant funding, collaborate in small learning pods, and launch new initiatives that advance leadership education across campus. A-Lab reflects the Center’s commitment to quality without conformity, supporting shared leadership goals while honoring each program’s unique identity.
Support CU Boulder’s next generation of leaders by getting involved in the Emerging Leadership Academy! Faculty and staff can participate in two impactful ways:
- Encourage your students to join this three-session, foundational leadership experience.
- Host a workshop focused on one of our core leadership domains: Leading Self, Leading Others, or Leading Change.
Your voice and expertise can help students explore their leadership identity and build the confidence to lead with purpose.
Interested in hosting a session? Use the button below to express interest!
As an affiliate program director, you play a vital role in recognizing and elevating student leaders across CU Boulder. Nominate your students for these exclusive opportunities available only to students in our Affiliate Leadership Programs.
Professional Leadership Coaching
Nominate a student to receive one-on-one coaching from a certified leadership professional. In the spring semester, 30 students are selected to participate in the CFL Coaching Program, receiving approximately 10 hours of personalized coaching (valued at $5,000–$10,000) at no cost to them.
Newton Leadership Fellows
Help us recognize CU Boulder’s your most exceptional student leaders. The Newton Fellowship is a high-impact leadership development experience that includes cohort-based learning, experiential intensives, professional coaching, financial support, and exclusive networking opportunities. Nominate students who demonstrate character, a growth mindset, and a commitment to positive change.
Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series
Ensure your students have access to inspiring leadership voices. Students in affiliate programs receive free tickets to attend all Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series events. Encourage them to attend and engage with nationally recognized leaders across industries.
Contact us at CenterForLeadership@Colorado.edu to enquire about upcoming speakers and tickets.
Graduating Leaders of the Year
Celebrate your students’ impact and leadership journey. Nominate outstanding graduating seniors from your program for the Graduating Leaders of the Year award, an opportunity to recognize their contributions and highlight the value of leadership education at CU Boulder.
Share Your Student Stories
Fill out the form linked in the title to share student stories on our social media accounts, and potentially shared on campus-wide communication (i.e. CU Boulder Today, CU Boulder main social accounts).
The Center for Leadership is excited to partner with our affiliate to share funds, resources, and labor to co-host events and programs. We have a handful of microgrants of up to $500 available each semester, each available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Email CenterForLeadership@Colorado.edu to learn more!
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Follow @CUCenterForLeadership for upcoming events, opportunities, student stories, and more!
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow @Center for Leadership at CU Boulder for upcoming events, opportunities, student stories, and more!
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Receive a monthly newsletter sharing CU Boulder leadership updates and stories, as well as thought leadership pieces.
Tag Us
Please tag or collab with us on any social media posts that you are sharing regarding leadership at CU Boulder, we will amplify your posts. Tag our accounts above or #HowCUBuffsLead!
Are you part of a program that already incorporates leadership development? Or are you looking to embed leadership more intentionally into your work with students? Either way, we invite you to join CU Boulder Center for Leadership as an Affiliate Program, a collaborative community of faculty, staff, and student changemakers committed to developing ethical, future-ready leaders.
You’re encouraged to become an affiliate if you:
- Serve a specific cohort of undergraduate or graduate students (e.g., student staff, academic programs, student organizations, identity-based groups, etc.)
- Currently integrate or aspire to integrate intentional leadership development into your program
- Are committed to a reciprocal partnership that supports shared leadership goals across campus
As an affiliate, you’ll gain access to:
- Exclusive student opportunities, including professional coaching, immersive leadership events, and the Newton Leadership Fellows program
- Collaborative programming and co-hosted events that amplify your mission and expand your reach
- Professional development through A-Lab, our leadership accelerator for affiliate directors
- Shared tools, models, and research to enhance your leadership curriculum and student outcomes
- Campus-wide visibility through our outreach, communications, and events
- A connected community of leadership educators and practitioners across disciplines
Whether you’re just beginning to explore leadership education or have been doing this work for years, the Center for Leadership is here to support, amplify, and grow your impact. Together, we’re building a scalable, inclusive, and values-driven leadership ecosystem at CU Boulder, one that honors the uniqueness of each program while working toward a shared vision: a world where leaders of character meet the needs of humanity.Apply to be an Affiliate!