About LEAD
The Leaders in Engagement, Advocacy and Democracy (LEAD) program connects Binghamton University students to meaningful community experiences and provides students with the knowledge and skills to succeed as current and future community leaders. Through regular community service, weekly seminars, and individual and group reflection, students will develop skills and knowledge to advance their civic, professional and personal development. Students receive a microcredential and digital badge demonstrating the skills and competencies gained through the program. LEAD is a semester-long program and is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
In addition to completing two to five hours of community service each week, students will join weekly seminars with a small cohort. Seminars focus on topics such as community history; understanding community strengths, opportunities and priorities; social justice-oriented service; diversity and inclusion; advocacy; and professional development. Students also engage in regular individual and group reflection linking seminar content to their service experiences. LEAD provides education, resources and support for students to translate their community experiences into tangible professional, personal and civic skills.
At the completion of the LEAD program, students will be able to identify best practices to strengthen civic and community engagement work, apply concepts to their current and future community and civic experiences, and connect community and civic involvement to professional and personal development. As a result, students will be better prepared to advance civic change and serve as valuable members of their community.
Selected students will work with the Center for Civic Engagement to:
- Complete two to five hours of community service with a community organization per week (20 hours total)
- Participate in weekly workshops on Wednesdays from 4:40 pm - 5:40 pm beginning Wednesday, February 12
- Make a final presentation on their learning through the LEAD experience
- Receive a microcredential and digital badge demonstrating the skills and competencies gained through LEAD
To apply:
LEAD is open to all Binghamton students and applicants are considered based on their level of interest in and commitment to civic and community engagement. Submit your application form, resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the program through the LEAD Google Form application by Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
Join us for an information session:
- Wednesday, January 22 4:45-5:30pm UU-102
- Wednesday, January 29 4:45-5:30pm UU-102
- Thursday, January 30 11:15am-12pm UU-124
- Friday, January 31 11:45am-12:30pm UU-124
- Wednesday, February 5 4:45-5:30pm UU-103
Additional information:
Students who successfully complete the LEAD program will receive a microcredential demonstrating competency in civic and community engagement, critical thinking/problem solving, professionalism and career management. Students will receive an accompanying digital badge issued through Credly. This digital badge can be displayed on LinkedIn.
No academic credit is offered for the LEAD program.
Questions may be directed to cce@binghamton.edu.
Note: Students who wish to participate in a CCE community-based program and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede your ability to participate in certain programs. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact Kyra Hickey at khickey@binghamton.edu with any questions.
