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.
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 Experience
Tutoring, college prep, scholarship opportunities, and academic mentorship to help you succeed in school and beyond.
Personal and Professional Development
Hands-on leadership training, public speaking workshops, and opportunities to lead community projects.
Supportive Network of Emerging Leaders
Internship placements, job readiness training, resume building, and networking with industry professionals.
Clarity on Strengths and Leadership Style
Achievement certificates, scholarship opportunities, and public recognition for your contributions and growth.
Practical Skills in Communication, Teamwork & Decision-Making
Build confidence, develop emotional intelligence, and discover your passions through supportive mentorship.
Stronger Campus and Community Connections
Learn 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 can participate through:
- Attendance at LEAD Series workshops
- Attendance at the annual Student Leadership Conference
- Completing online learning modules assigned on Canvas
- Joining student organization(s)
- Participation in service projects/service hours
- Participation in trainings available at Cal State LA (Undocually, VetNet Ally, Mental Health First Aid, etc.)
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.
Upcoming Events
Take part in thoughtful events that support your growth, celebrate your identity, and empower you to lead with confidence.
Let’s Talk about What is on Your Mind
The purpose of this group is to have a brief, informal, and confidential conversation with students who are coming to the University Advisement Center. It is to provide support, assist with problem solving, inform students regarding services that are offered at the Counseling, and Psychological Services on campus, and facilitate referral to other resources.
Lets Talk About It: Celebrating Black Women in History
Celebrating Black Women in History will highlight the accomplishments of Black women across areas like entrepreneurship, leadership, financial empowerment, and community impact. By looking at the paths they created and the barriers they broke, we’ll reflect on the lessons their stories offer about resilience, innovation, and building lasting change. Join us as we celebrate the legacy and influence of Black women who continue to shape the future.
Mind Hacks for When You’re Doing the Most: A 4-Week Reset Series for When Life’s a Lot
To support students in understanding how stress shows up in their lives, while exploring practical coping tools they can use to handle everyday pressures more effectively
Our People Shall Live! Women Against Empires: International Women’s Day Celebration
Join the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center as we celebrate International Working Women’s Day. Through Poetry, Spoken Word, Music, and more, we explore how women have been at the forefront of anti-imperialist resistance.
Floreciendo Juntas
The Chicanx/Latinx Student Resource Center and Associated Students, Inc. will be hosting a brunch and panel event to celebrate Latina identities during Womxn’s Herstory Month. This event will consist of a keynote address from a Latina-identifying individual and a panel of womxn from the Cal State LA and surrounding community. Free brunch will be provided for all students who participate, there will be photo opportunities, and time to mingle and network.
Applying for Medi-Cal Workshop for Cal State LA Students
In this workshop you will learn how to create a BenefitsCal Account, how to start your Medi-Cal application, and how to upload necessary documents to complete your application. Please bring the following items to the workshop: your laptop, proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of CA residency.
Mind, Body, & Black Brilliance: Black Healthcare Professionals in Conversation
Join us for an inspiring panel highlighting Black professionals in the healthcare field as they share their career journeys, challenges, and successes. This event aims to empower students interested in health-related careers by offering real-world insights, representation, and opportunities for connection. Presented in honor of Black History Month, this event celebrates excellence, resilience, and the vital contributions of Black individuals in the health professions.
LEAD Series - Leading with Clarity and Care: Practicing Emotional Intelligence
Want to strengthen your leadership skills? This workshop helps you tune into your emotions, read the room like a pro, and respond with clarity and care. Through engaging activities and relatable scenarios, you’ll learn how to manage stress, communicate with impact, and build stronger relationships.
Body Acceptance Week Beyond the Mirror: Jessica Wilson on Body Acceptance & Black Joy
Jessica Wilson is a podcaster, author, and renowned dietitian. Join Jessica for powerful talk on body acceptance, healing, and Black joy beyond appearance.
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 Self
Awareness of the beliefs, values, attitudes and emotions that motivate one to take action.
Congruence
Thinking, feeling and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity and honesty towards others.
Commitment
The motivational energy that drives individuals to serve the collective effort; implies passion, intensity and duration.
Collaboration
Working with others in a common effort. It empowers self and others through trust.
Common Purpose
Facilitates the group’s ability to engage in collective analysis of issues at hand and the task to be undertaken.
Controversy with Civility
Respect for others, a willingness to hear each other's views, and accepting differences in viewpoints.
Citizenship
Fostering 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 |
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Soaring Leader |
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Golden Leader |
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Requirements
- 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
Perks
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition at the Annual Golden Eagle Awards
- A Wingspan Leadership Program T-Shirt
Requirements
- 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
Perks
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition at the Annual Golden Eagle Awards
- A Wingspan Leadership Program T-Shirt
- Graduation Cord
- Wingspan Hat or Water Bottle
Requirements
- 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
Perks
- Certificate of Completion
- Recognition at the Annual Golden Eagle Awards
- A Wingspan Leadership Program T-Shirt
- Graduation Cord
- Wingspan Hat or Water Bottle
- Medal of Achievement
- Wingspan Sweater
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 Today
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