WingspanLeadership Program

Expand Your Leadership Reach

“Leadership is a relational and ethical process of people together attempting to accomplish positive change”

— Komives, Lucas, McMahon (2007)

Program Overview

Cal State LA Wants You to Lead

The Wingspan Leadership Program strives to enhance our students' experience at Cal State LA through meaningful opportunities to cultivate leadership skills, social responsibility, and holistic development. A core principle of the program is that all students have the potential for leadership. By participating in workshops and programs, joining and leading student organizations, and engaging in student governance and service projects, they will develop their potential and make a positive difference personally, in the campus community, and beyond.

Large group of students gathered outdoors under an arch of black, white, and gold balloons

What You'll Gain

Participation provides you with valuable skills, experiences, and opportunities that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional careers.

Hands-On Leadership ExperienceTutoring, college prep, scholarship opportunities, and academic mentorship to help you succeed in school and beyond.

Personal and Professional DevelopmentHands-on leadership training, public speaking workshops, and opportunities to lead community projects.

Supportive Network of Emerging LeadersInternship placements, job readiness training, resume building, and networking with industry professionals.

Clarity on Strengths and Leadership StyleAchievement certificates, scholarship opportunities, and public recognition for your contributions and growth.

Practical Skills in Communication...Build confidence, develop emotional intelligence, and discover your passions through supportive mentorship.

Stronger Campus and Community ConnectionsLearn creative problem-solving, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills for the modern world.

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the Wingspan Leadership Program, students will:

1.Articulate their own leadership philosophy in the context of their multiple identities and values (i.e. school, professional, and community life).

2.Identify and apply key skills to effectively work with others in academic, professional, and community settings.

3.Identify and demonstrate strategies for how to enact change in various educational, professional, and community environments.

Students seated at a banquet table during a leadership event

Audience seated at banquet tables listening to a keynote speaker

Students can participate through:

Attendance at LEAD Series workshops
Attendance at the annual Student Leadership Conference
Participation in trainings available at Cal State LA (Undocually, VetNet Ally, Mental Health First Aid, etc.)
Participation in service projects/service hours
Completing online learning modules assigned on Canvas
Joining student organization(s)

Pathways

1. Leadership Engagement

Participants take on roles that require active commitment and development, including involvement in campus organizations and service initiatives.

Opportunities include ASI, U-SU Board, Student Health Advisory Committee, Student Athlete Advisor Committee, Orientation Leader, Tour Guide, Resident Assistants, RHA, Greek Life, and mentorship programs (RISE, Peer Leader Program, etc.).
Many also contribute through campus committees, Recognized Student Organizations, and College Corps.

2. Student-Led Innovation

Encouraged to propose projects, initiatives, or leadership roles aligned with the Social Change Model, participants shape their own development pathways.

3. Ongoing Involvement

Continued participation in leadership development opportunities throughout the year reinforces growth and aligns with Wingspan's mission.

4. Milestone Reflection

Completion of a final project—such as a reflection, essay, or video—demonstrates leadership growth and the impact made.

The Seven "C"s of the Social Change Model

Grounded in the Social Change Model of Leadership (SCM), the Wingspan Leadership Program incorporates leadership development, educational awareness, and civic engagement. Social responsibility and change for the common good are achieved through the development of 7 core values targeted at enhancing students' levels of self–awareness and ability to work with others.

Consciousness of SelfAwareness of the beliefs, values, attitudes and emotions that motivate one to take action.

CongruenceThinking, feeling and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity and honesty towards others.

CommitmentThe motivational energy that drives individuals to serve the collective effort; implies passion, intensity and duration.

CollaborationWorking with others in a common effort. It empowers self and others through trust.

Common PurposeFacilitates the group’s ability to engage in collective analysis of issues at hand and the task to be undertaken.

Controversy with CivilityRespect for others, a willingness to hear each other's views, and accepting differences in viewpoints.

CitizenshipFostering connections to society. Working for positive change on the behalf of others and the community.

Leadership Milestones

Students will participate in various training events to achieve the designations of Rising Leader, Soaring Leader, and Golden Leader. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to connect with peers and build community through in-person and online engagement. Transfer students may be able to apply their prior leadership experience toward these levels.

Level

Requirements

Perks

Rising Leader

Pre-Assessment
Attend 3 LEAD Workshops OR the Student Leadership Conference
Become a member of at least 1 student organization
Complete 2 Online Learning Modules
Complete 5 hours of Volunteer/Service Hours
Contribute Positive Change on campus (Optional)
End of Level Assessment
Approximately 15 hours required for completion

Rising Leader cord for graduation
Rising Leader medal for graduation
Certificate of Completion
A Wingspan Leadership Program sweater
Recognition at the annual Golden Eagle Awards

Soaring Leader

Pre-Assessment
Attend 5 LEAD Workshops
Student Leadership Conference
Become a member of at least 1 student organization
Complete 4 Online Learning Modules
Complete 10 hours of Volunteer/Service Hours
Contribute Positive Change on campus (Optional)
End of Level Assessment
Approximately 25 hours required for completion

Soaring Leader cord for graduation
Soaring Leader medal for graduation
Certificate of Completion
A Wingspan Leadership Program sweater
Recognition at the annual Golden Eagle Awards

Golden Leader

Pre-Assessment
Attend 7 LEAD Workshops
Student Leadership Conference
Become a member of at least 1 student organization
Complete 6 Online Learning Modules
Complete 10 hours of Volunteer/Service Hours
Contribute Positive Change on campus
End of Level Assessment
Approximately 40 hours required for completion

Golden Leader cord for graduation
Golden Leader medal for graduation
Certificate of Completion
A Wingspan Leadership Program sweater
Recognition at the annual Golden Eagle Awards

Presented in Partnership With

The Wingspan Leadership Program is put together by the collaborative efforts of on-campus organizations dedicated to student development.

Ready to Spread Your Wings?

Get Started TodayFill out the form to start developing your leadership potential here at Cal State LA

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By adding your contact info on this form, you will receive further information about the program and next steps for signing up! You may join at any point in the year.