Community Leadership Program

Program Description

Guided by our Ignatian values and the Social Change Model of leadership development, the Community Leadership Program (CLP) is a year-long program for up to ten (10) second and third-year students at the University of San Francisco. The program is rooted in the Jesuit values of being people for and with others, meaning we take time to shift focus, notice others, and care about them. The Community Leaders will develop leadership skills through workshops and coaching, active service at local faith-based charities and nonprofits, and monthly projects that inspire peers to join them in acts of service. The goal of CLP is to provide an experiential leadership opportunity for college students with financial needs.

Program participants will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship for the Academic Term, beginning with a $2,500 scholarship in the Fall semester and another $2,500 at the beginning of the Spring semester. 

The program is made possible by a generous gift from Christopher Leung & Priscilla Lee.

Key Program Components 

• Formative program orientation for skill building with Community Engaged Learning (CEL) values in action, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and project management
• Engage in monthly cohort service projects with our nonprofit partners, like City Hope
• Perform at least 50 hours of service with a nonprofit between September–April
• Develop and coordinate a volunteer service fair that brings together local nonprofits and USF students to learn about volunteer and other leadership opportunities
• One-on-one professional coaching with socially responsible leadership values, EQ, and talent development with CliftonStrengths

Eligibility

• Sophomore/junior preferred status during the 2025-26 academic term
• Must be eligible for financial aid 
• Must be enrolled for the full Academic Term and take classes at the Hilltop Campus for Fall & Spring
• Must be in good academic and conduct standing and remain so throughout the year while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5

2025-26 Program Components

Other components

• Individual coaching (1 hour each semester) 
• Nonprofit service (50 hours between September–April)
• Assist in the planning and coordination of a volunteer service fair at the Hilltop Campus

Who We’re Looking For 

• Interest in developing/sustaining relationships with community & religious organizations serving underserved populations in San Francisco
• Desire to connect and learn from community members and leaders
• Passion to become a community leader on campus and in the San Francisco community 
• Determination to engage peers in service-based projects and commit to the full length of the program

Meet the 2025-26 Mentors

2025-26 Fellows