Expand Your Leadership Reach
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.
Root of the Matter: Feeling Myself
Join us as we have conversations on exploring your identity and what it means to really be yourself. We’ll explore our roots and cultivate community through open dialogue, fun activities, and food. All are welcome!
LEAD Series – Your Life, Your Tempo: Time and Energy Management
Ready to take control of your rhythm? In this upbeat workshop, you’ll learn how to manage your time and your energy so you can work smarter, not harder. Through interactive activities and real-life strategies, you’ll discover how to set priorities, avoid burnout, and create habits that actually fit your lifestyle. Walk away feeling more balanced, focused, and empowered to lead your life at your own tempo.
The Career Plug
This event highlights the many non-traditional and high-demand pathways available today, including apprenticeships, trades, certifications, and workforce development programs that lead to real, stable, well-paid careers.
Ask the Dean
Share your experiences as a Cal State LA student, the resources you find most helpful, and how our Dean of Students and the University can best support you. Submit the Ask the Dean form by February 12, 2026, for a chance to win raffle prizes.
LEAD Series – Inclusive Leaders, Rise! Being Culturally Responsive
Being a leader today means creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. In this workshop, students will explore what it means to be culturally responsive and how our identities show up in the work we do. Through interactive activities and real examples, participants will learn practical ways to understand diverse perspectives, avoid cultural assumptions, and uplift the voices of others.
Beyond the Mirror (Body Acceptance Week)
Join us for a Body Acceptance Week event, Beyond the Mirror: Jessica Wilson on Body Acceptance and Black Joy.
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
Fill out the form to start developing your leadership potential here at Cal State LA
By adding your contact info on this form, you will receive further information about the program and next steps for signing up! You may join at any point in the year.