Leadership Development Badge

Sessions in this focus area will provide students with skills to develop their resume, interview skills, and communication skills, while also preparing students for life after college.

REQUIRED

RESUME WRITING
Students will develop a clear life direction, demonstrate connections between current and future roles and skills and develop a resume.

ELECTIVES
Participants must complete at least 3 of the following sessions

INTERVIEW
Students will learn skills to utilize in an interview and understand basic etiquette guidelines for office oral communication.

To complete this section, go to https://sunywcc.biginterview.com/ and complete the curriculum titled “Fast Track”. Please email [email protected] to receive the access code to sign up for Big Interview. After completing the session you will receive a virtual certificate to upload.

NETWORKING AND CAREER ETIQUETTE
Students will learn basic etiquette guidelines relative to office oral communication, networking skills and tips, and how to dress for success.

TRANSFER SUCCESS PLANNING
More information to come.

FINANCIAL LITERACY
Students can choose between learning the basic steps to creating a budget or learning basic information about credit scores and their impact. E-mail Dr. Nafisah Graham Brown at [email protected] to schedule a virtual meeting with a financial coach in the MoneySmart Forum.

WORKPLACE CULTURE
Students will learn about different types of workplace environments/cultures and determine preferred types of workplaces.

Sessions in this focus area will offer students skills to become a stronger leader, recognize their own abilities and how to best use these abilities to lead a group.

REQUIRED

GOAL SETTING
Students will learn about group goal-setting techniques, how to apply these goals and what a leader does once goals have been set.

ELECTIVES
Participants must complete at least 5 of the following sessions

PRESENTATION SKILLS
Students will learn about public speaking principles and skills and how to implement these principles and skills into their presentations, while also learning how to best deliver information.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Students will learn methods for problem solving and conflict management and effective conflict resolution.

TIME MANAGEMENT
Students will learn the principles of effective time management and how to apply these principles.

VALUES & ETHICS
Students will explore their individual values and develop a personal values statement.

LEADERSHIP STYLE
Students will learn about different types of leadership styles and the ways in which their leadership style positively and negatively impacts those around them.

GROUP DYNAMICS
Students will learn how to work with “difficult personalities” and how to navigate compromising and working in group settings.

GROUP DECISION MAKING
Students will understand how groups can efficiently and effectively make decisions while resolving conflict and reaching a consensus.

Students will learn about different theories and how to use these theories to understand themselves as a leader and how to lead others more effectively.

ELECTIVES
Participants must complete at least 3 of the following sessions

SOCIAL CHANGE MODEL
Students will learn about the “Seven C’s” of the Social Change Model to facilitate positive social change.

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: EXEMPLARY PRACTICES
Students will learn about ways to become a better leader through learning about outstanding leadership practices and leaders.

PETER DRUCKER’S THEORIES
Students will learn about Drucker’s theory which encourages leaders to lead their team to success while supporting and encouraging each individual

EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP
Students will learn about emotionally intelligent leadership and why it is an important element in leadership roles.

YOSSO’S COMMUNITY CULTURAL WEALTH
Students will learn about a model that focuses on the experience of students of color and the importance of cultural wealth for these students.

PICK A THEORY: READ A BOOK PROGRAM
Students can choose a theory of interest and read a book about that theory to further explore this interest. Students will then be required to submit a reflection project. Please e-mail [email protected] for the assignment guidelines.

MINDFUL LEADERSHIP
Students will learn about mindfulness principles/tools to assist with reducing stress and strengthening individual leadership practices.

Sessions in this area will focus about learning about diversity, equity and inclusion and how to become a stronger leader by understanding and implementing diverse perspectives and peoples.

REQUIRED

AN INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Students will become more aware of the influence of one’s own cultural heritage on values and experiences while also learning about various people, cultures, and perspectives.

ELECTIVES – Participants must complete at least 3 of the following sessions

SOCIAL JUSTICE & RESILIENCY
Students will learn of how people, cultures, or perspectives are treated differently in the United States and how to advocate for respect of diversity.

POWER & PRIVILEGE
Students will learn to acknowledge power and privileges granted to certain groups of people and the effects this has on society.

IMPLICIT BIAS & UNDERSTANDING MICROAGGRESSIONS
Students will recognize bias and recognize their own implicit biases.

UNDERSTANDING INVISIBLE IDENTITIES
Students will learn about using inclusive language and the impact that language has on individuals.

LGBTQIA+ ADVOCATE TRAINING
Students will be able to identify ways to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community.

UNDOCUALLY
Student will understand the meaning of a DACAmented or undocument immigrant in our socio-political content, how/where to gather accurate information, and learn steps to support undocumented students on campus.

Sessions in this area will focus on students understanding their own health and wellness, strategies to use when stressed and how to help others who may confide in you about their own health and wellness.

ELECTIVES – Participants must complete at least 2 of the following sessions

STRESS MANAGEMENT TOOL BOX
Stress can be toxic for your mind and body. Learn how to manage stress by building your own toolbox of effective tips and coping skills with Personal Counselor Pat Sheehan.

HELP A FRIEND TRAINING
The Help a Friend training empowers WCC student leaders to have real conversations with their peers. In this 1-hour training, you will learn how to connect a friend/peer to support, how to combat the stigma around mental health, and learn ways to speak up if you are worried about a friend/peer’s safety or wellbeing.

MIND/BODY BREAK FOR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
More information to come.

SUCCESS FROM HEAD TO TOE
Students will learn how to check in with yourself, build your own toolbox of effective tips, and learn coping skills to deal with stress.

Students will complete a session to better understand servant leadership and then have the opportunity to apply what they have learned while completing community service.

REQUIRES

UNDERSTANDING SERVICE LEARNING AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Students will learn what servant leadership means and how to incorporate that into service-learning.

SERVICE HOURS AND REFLECTION ASSIGNMENT (10 HOURS)
Students must complete 10 hours of community service and provide a reflection on the experience.

Discover Your Leadership Potential: Make A Positive Change In Society

The Commit to Change Leadership Development Program is an experience that is guaranteed to be like no other offered at SUNY Westchester Community College. As a member of this highly selective program, participants will:

• Learn about and use leadership skills one never knew one possessed.
• Work with peers to create positive social change at SUNY Westchester Community College and the community as a whole.
• Bond and become close friends with the members of the cohort.
• Have the opportunity to apply for and attend the highly prestigious Clinton Global Initiative University.
• All SUNY Westchester Community College students, who have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their potential as leader are welcome to participate in Commit to Change.
• Participants must commit to the full 12 weeks of the series.

The Commit to Change Leadership Development Program follows the Social Change Model of Leadership, which focuses on enhancing leadership on the individual, group, and community levels.

INDIVIDUAL

In order to be a leader, individuals need to know the skills they possess and how to use them. Participants will use reflection and various interactive techniques to learn more about their values, ethics, and personal strengths in terms of leadership. Participants will also delve into their past to discover how it affects their perception of people and situations.

GROUP

The classroom experience and the work world have moved to team based approachies of learning and problem-solving. Participants in this series will go in-depth training and working together towards a common purpose while learning the art of conflict resolution through civil discourse.

COMMUNITY

The goal of the entire program is to help participants leave their legacy while changing their community for the better. In doing so, participant are learning the importance of how various components of the community interact, as well as how to influence and cultivate change.

Here is what some of the past members of the Commit to Change program have said about their experiences:

• “I think it is an enlightening program; it shows you that change is possible. It guides you so that you can act upon the change you want to see in the world. ”
• “I loved being part of the Commit To Change Leadership Development Program. Not only did I grow as a leader, but with the knowledge I gained, I was able to impact the college community and create social change. The best part of the program was being part of something bigger, creating something on my own, a legacy.” – Bianca B., Spring 2020 Cohort

How Do I Apply?

Applicants must be SUNY Westchester Community College students with an open mind and an eagerness to discover their potential as a leader. Participants must commit to the full 12-week series. In order to graduate from the program, students must complete all sessions.

NOTE: Sessions will be offered in Person

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

If you would like to learn more about the Commit to Change Program, email us at [email protected]

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

The Mindful Warrior Leadership Program is an experience that is guaranteed to be like no other offered at SUNY Westchester Community College. As a member of this selective program, students have the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, intentionally elevate their individual self-concept, develop an enhanced awareness regarding one’s individual life purpose, and foster a heightened sense of clarity and compassion towards both themselves and others.

This program is a 4-week leadership development series that shares how mindful leadership and mindfulness principles/tools can assist with stress reduction and the enhancement of individual leadership practices. Students that participate in this program will enhance cognitive skills that support their academic performance, strengthen overall well-being, cultivate positive psychological states, and reduce anxiety.

REQUIREMENTS:

UNDER THE CLUB & ORGANIZATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
In order to be eligible to participate, students must meet the following criteria, unless approved by the Director of Student Involvement:

1. Be enrolled in at least one (1) credit-bearing course at SUNY Westchester Community College for the Spring semester
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
3. Be in good disciplinary and academic standing

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must be current SUNY WCC students and have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their leadership potential while molding themselves into more compassionate individuals. Mindful Warrior participants must commit to the FULL 4 weeks of the program.

NOTE: Sessions occur in person every Tuesday 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

MINDFUL WARRIOR TESTIMONIALS:

Here is what a past member of the Mindful Warrior Leadership Program had to say about this experience.

“The Mindful Warrior Program encourages awareness of thought behaviors, remaining present when enduring internal or external stressors, and how body language can have an effect on the individual as well as to whom it’s being displayed too. Learning to remain in the moment, not to dwell on the past, and to dismantle anxiety about the future. Engaging with others genuinely with reciprocity, building a conversation instead of just waiting for the cue to respond…. How applying thoughtfulness methods allows for improved communication and understanding among individuals working together, regardless of the adversity…The Mindful Warrior Program has improved my experience of life and I am grateful to have been a part of a program with a wholesome mission.” – Joe C., FA 2019 Mindful Warrior

The LatinXcellence Leadership Program is a 5-week, leadership development experience for emerging leaders aimed at empowering students by providing them with a safe space for individual growth and the formation of relationships among fellow student leaders with the community. Applicants must be a SUNY Westchester student and have an open mind and an eagerness to learn more about themselves and culture while discovering their leadership potential through an uplifting community.

Here is what a past member of the LatinXcellence Leadership Program had to say about this experience:

“LatinXcellence was the leadership development program that I didn’t know I needed. I can’t express enough how invaluable it was to connect and grow with other Latinx student leaders. Through this program, I was able to reconnect with my roots and tap into skills and strengths that had been buried away. I left the program with a deep sense of pride and a desire to showcase my talents.” – Vanessa G., FA 2020 LatinXcellent Leader

HOW TO APPLY:

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

The BlackXcellence Leadership Program is a 5-week, leadership development experience for emerging Black student leaders and aimed at empowering the Black students of SUNY Westchester. This program intends to develop a safe space for individual growth and the formation of community among fellow Black leaders. The foundation of this program is based on Dr. Yosso’s Cultural Wealth model and through it, Black students will enhance professional skills within a communal space while learning how to pivot leadership potential towards action.

Each week students will learn from a Black leader within the SUNY Westchester community who will share valuable wisdom, guidance, and mentorship. Through these efforts, the BlackXcellence Leadership Program hopes to further equip students as they become successful leaders and maximize the endless opportunities available to them throughout the college and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants must be identify as Black SUNY Westchester students and have an open mind and an eagerness to discover their leadership potential. BlackXcellence participants must commit to the FULL 5 weeks of the program.

NOTE: Sessions will occur in person and every Tuesday of April from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

APPLY HERE

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, MARCH 20th, 2026 @ 12PM

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected]

Discover Service Learning: Make A Difference in Local and National Communities

What is service learning?

Service learning is a form of experiential education where learning occurs through a cycle of action and reflection. Service-learning places an emphasis on working closely with community partners to address community concerns. Students who engage in service learning learn about the connection between their service, their academic coursework, and their roles as citizens.

What is Alternative Break?

An alternative break is an immersion service-learning trip where small groups of college students engage in community-based service and cultural immersion for a few days to make a difference in local and/or statewide communities. At SUNY WCC we offer both weekend and 5 to 7-day-long alternative break trips. Each trip focuses on a particular social issue, such as (but not limited to) poverty, education reform, food insecurity, criminal justice reform, or the environment. The trip emphasizes other aspects of life such as community, mindfulness, and wellness.

Learn about ASB and how to apply

How Our Alternative Spring Break Operates:

Our Alternative Spring Break program is divided into three major components that is required for all selected students to participate in:

Pre-Service Workshops:

Groups will learn history and facts about the chosen topic and discuss the trip logistics and service projects the group will focus on.
During Service: Groups will perform their service-learning activities. At the end of each day, groups will reflect on their experiences while utilizing at least one of the eight learning components of alternative breaks: abstaining from alcohol and other drugs, direct service, diversity/social justice, education, orientation, reflection, and re-orientation, and training.

Post-Service Ceremony:

Groups will do an overall assessment of the experiences they had during the Alternative Spring Break.

Who Leads The Groups?

Each trip is led by one to two student leaders who are selected through an application process. The student leaders are partnered with faculty/staff mentors to facilitate the overall trip theme, logistics, and individual and group reflection process.

How To Participate:

To serve as a general group member for a weekend or 5 to 7 day trip, each student must complete an application detailing the reasons why they are interested in the selected alternative break topic and answer a series of questions centered around any previous community service experience.

How To Apply:

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED

Complete this application by Sunday, November 3, 2025 by 11:59pm

You must be in good academic standing (2.0 or above) and good judicial standing and have paid the student activity fee (at least 1 registered class on the Valhalla main campus.) Requirements, if selected:

If selected, you will be required to attend weekly meetings in the fall semester. These are vital to the success of the ASB trip – you will meet other participants, become informed of the trip location, and you will become better educated on the trip’s social issues.

If selected, you will be required to pay a $50.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. This is to ensure that everyone is committed to the trip and the forthcoming requirements upon selection.

For additional information, or if you have any questions email [email protected] or call the Department of Student Involvement at 914-606-6731.

Past Alternative Spring Break Topics:

March 2018: Food Insecurity, New York City
October 2018: The Environment, Wildlife, and Us, Westchester
March 2019: Criminal Justice in America: Prison, Probation, and Parenting in lock-up, New York and Philadelphia
March 2019: Immigration and Border Issues, San Diego, CA
March 2020: Understanding Neighborhood Regeneration and Empowering Communities, Chicago, IL
March 2020: The Oceans and their Eco-Systems, Newport, RI
March 2021: Immigration in the U.S., Virtual
March 2021: Bodies of Water and Eco-Systems, Virtual
March 2021: Criminalization and Incarceration, Virtual
March 2022: Community Revitalization and Immigration on the U.S./Mexico Border, San Diego, CA
March 2024: Unsheltered People and the Impact of Community Displacement, NYC, NY
March 2024: Hurricane Disaster Relief and Global Warming, Fort Myers, FL
March 2025: Criminalization in the U.S., Philadelphia, PA
March 2025: The Impacts of Global Warming and Climate Change, Puerto Rico
March 2026: Civil Rights and Racial Equity in the U.S., Selma, Alabama & Washington, D.C.