Student Engagement: Activate: Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Activate is a free 16-week Christ-centered leadership course available to all new students at Vanguard University. Whether they are a brand-new student or a transfer, they are invited to join the program. Throughout the 16-week curriculum, participants learn about principles of leadership while gaining skills through active participation in campus service opportunities. This course assists students with cultivating relationships with their peers, university staff, and connect them with various Vanguard community leaders.
Students are placed in small groups, led by peer mentors from upper-class students. Throughout the 16 weeks, they will meet with their peer groups weekly, their peer mentor monthly, and engage in various activities to grow their skills regularly.
How will funds be used?
Giving Day funds raised will permit this program to continue to be free for students. It will assist in providing additional resources such as materials for the course including a leadership book, personality assessment tools, and materials for leadership building activities. Funds will provide experiences for the students off campus, such as leadership rope courses, escape rooms, or visiting local small business owners. Lastly, funds will also assist in cultivating cohort identity by allowing the program to provide branded items such as water bottles, t-shirts, or padfolios.
Student Impact
Students who participate in this leadership growth experience are better prepared for their next leadership endeavor. Here are a few quotes from those students who have participated in the Activate Leadership Course last year, and are currently serving in their newest role:
“Being a part of Activate was very helpful in many ways! I met different types of people, learned so much more about our community and how to get involved." Samantha E.
"I believe Activate is a great step to meet people and be involved on campus." Jabrea F.
"It helped me learn so much about Vanguard!" Joseph M.
"Activate is a great way to know more about what is going on at Vanguard and how to get involved in different ways." Jaclyn M.
"It gets your foot into the door for school engagement and creating relationships around campus." Emiliano S.
Why should donors support this fund?
Our hope is that the funds received through Giving Day will allow us to purchase resources and provide experiences for students to grow in their awareness of self and others while learning about what it means to be a Christ-centered leader in today’s world. College is a pivotal time of growth and development in the life of a young adult. Activate invites our new students to learning more about themselves, others, and the Vanguard community while equipping them with knowledge and tools about Christian leadership is a gift.
Will you prayerfully consider donating to this project that helps integrate our new students into the Vanguard community and makes a lasting impact in their lives?