To develop engaged leaders by equipping them with the confidence and capacity to collaborate with diverse communities.

Each year, we select 20 students to participate in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) Engaging Leaders Program. Students do not need to have prior leadership experience, and we value students with a strong desire to grow personally and professionally. The program is open to freshman, off-campus transfer and on-campus transfer students.

About the Program

Throughout the year Engaging Leaders attend sessions to help them better understand their personal leadership style, strengths and weaknesses. They also learn essential skills for working in diverse groups, communicating effectively, and project planning.

The highlight of our program is our Shark Tank series where students work collaboratively to design a program that benefits CNR, NC State, or the local community. Engaging Leaders will spend the year planning and implementing these programs with their community partner. Previous projects include:

• LEAF, Learning Environmental Awareness for the Future, event for middle schoolers at the Museum of Natural Sciences
• Military Outreach Event for home school students in partnership with the Rick Herrama Foundation
• E.A.S.E Your Mind, a mental wellness event celebrating the multiple ways one can prioritize mental health
• Environmental Exploration Day for students interested in learning more about natural resources
• TRAILS, a partnership with the City of Raleigh to install a Tree ID trail and grand-opening celebration

After the first year, students who complete the program can apply to serve as coordinator or serve on the Advisory Board. These students organize the new student retreat and assist with training sessions and meetings throughout the year. They also provide essential support to groups throughout the Shark Tank process.

Why YOU should become an Engaging Leader

• Become part of our diverse and supportive EL community and build relationships with your CNR peers from around the country and the world
• Learn how you can best utilize and improve your unique skills and strengths to prepare you for future leadership positions both on campus and in the professional world
• Enhance your cultural and social sensitivity and learn to appreciate and encourage diversity and inclusion as both a leader and group member
• Understand different communication styles and develop the skills necessary to work and communicate well with a variety of individuals
• Get connected to community service, professional development, and academic opportunities around the college and all of NC State
• Learn professionalism for academic and work environments, and the skills you need to impress future employers

Key Components of the Engaging Leaders Program include:

• Membership in a supportive community of dedicated leaders representing all majors within CNR
• Kick-Off leadership retreat and mid-year diversity retreat
• Tools to help identify personal leadership styles, strengths, and cultural skills
• Mentoring and guidance from Advisory Board members and coordinators
• One on one academic advising sessions with Dr. Grays to further personal and academic growth
• Engagement with alumni of the program, community members and current students

What are the requirements for the CNR Engaging Leaders Program?

Students must:

• Complete the CNR Engaging Leaders Application
• Be entering the College of Natural Resources for the first time in the Summer or Fall of 2019
• Attend the Engaging Leaders Retreat on August 23-25, 2019 (this will be an overnight program)
• Attend Mid-Year Diversity Retreat in January 2020
• Be free on Tuesday evenings between 6 – 9 p.m.
•  Actively participate in community outreach events sponsored by the program
• Work with other Engaging Leaders to create a Shark Tank program that benefits the college, NC State, or the local community
• Attend meetings with Shark Tank groups on a weekly basis (time set by student group)
• Be open to trying new experiences outside of the college and willing to explore new opportunities

Costs

Each student is asked to pay $85 at the beginning of the year. This non-refundable fee includes:

• Lodging, transportation, materials and most meals for retreat
• All program supplies throughout the year
• Transportation to all events and activities
• Engaging Leaders t-shirt
• Snacks for meetings and special programs

Scholarships are available for those students who have extreme financial need to cover the cost of all or a portion of the $85.

Questions

Any questions should be directed to Shaefny Grays at engagingleaders@ncsu.edu.