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A Pipeline for Future Leaders

 

Are you a rising sophomore or rising junior interested in leadership, law, government, history, economics, public policy, international relations, education, journalism, business, or public service? 

 

Are you ready to lead?

 

The Civic Leadership Institute is a selective, yearlong experience for high school students who aspire to make a difference in their communities and beyond. The Institute is designed as a multi-year pathway, with students encouraged to continue from sophomore through senior year. Participants who remain in good standing and fully engage in the program will be invited to return each year, allowing them to build increasingly advanced knowledge, experiences, and leadership skills that prepare them for future careers in civic and social studies-related fields.

 

Through immersive Saturday sessions and an exciting summer capstone experience, students step into the roles of attorneys, legislators, diplomats, historians, policy analysts, and community leaders. Participants tackle real-world challenges through mock trials, legislative debates, crisis simulations, and advocacy projects while learning alongside peers who share their passion for leadership and civic engagement.

 

More than a class, the Civic Leadership Institute is a premier leadership experience where students build lifelong friendships, develop a portfolio of meaningful work, and gain exposure to a wide variety of career pathways connected to the social sciences and public life.

 

Institute Highlights

• Selective cohort of high-achieving students
• Six immersive Saturday experiences throughout the year
• 4 day summer capstone experience
• Mock trials and courtroom simulations
• Legislative debates and policy-making experiences
• Crisis response and diplomatic simulations
• Leadership and communication development
• Advocacy projects addressing real-world issues
• Networking with professionals and mentors
• Exploration of careers in law, government, public policy, history, economics, international relations, journalism, social studies education, and public service

 

The future needs informed, principled leaders. If you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to have you join the Civic Leadership Institute.

Think Critically. Lead Courageously. Serve Purposefully.

 

The Civic Leadership Institute will be held on campus at WKU and at The McConnell Center at the University of Louisville.

Information about the Institute at UofLcan be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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