Building Leaders from Within

Students looking for a way to give back to their community can start their search at Cal Poly’s Leadership and Service department, which offers a multitude of ways to experience meaningful and purposeful opportunities. The programs within Leadership and Service include the Center for Leadership, Center for Service in Action, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Clubs and Organizations. They all support the ongoing personal and professional development of students, both on campus and in the surrounding community, and allow students to learn and practice the fundamental principles of civic engagement; responsible leadership; and the importance of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in a global society.

In the 2021-22 academic year, staff and peer leaders in the Center for Leadership hosted over 80 workshops for clubs and departments. The center is looking to expand its capacity to offer programming to more students but current funding does not meet the demand.

“Through the Emerging Leader Series and time spent with fellow peer leaders, I have been able to define and explore my personal leadership philosophy, strengthen my emotional intelligence and become a more flexible and dynamic individual,” said Renee B., Center for Leadership peer leader.
Smiling students who are participating on Alternative Breaks

In the 2021-22 academic year, approximately 900 students devoted approximately 7,000 service hours performing some form of community service through the Center for Service in Action. Interest in community service is growing, especially in the Alternative Breaks program in which students participate in global and domestic volunteer service project trips during winter, spring and summer breaks. The Center for Service in Action team is looking to increase access for students to participate in cultural immersion trips. However, the price tags for travel are cost-prohibitive for many since the Center for Service in Action does not cover all costs comprehensively.