The Institute for Student Leadership serves as the home for student leadership formation at Covenant College, shaping students to become faithful, self-aware, and Christ-centered leaders prepared to serve and build wherever they are called. The Student Leadership Formation Council stewards the vision, integration, and ongoing development of the institute.
The Leadership Fellows Certificate Program
The Leadership Fellows Certificate Program is a signature leadership formation experience of the Institute for Student Leadership. Designed as a 9-month, application-based, cohort-based journey, the program equips students to grow in self-awareness, character, and leadership capability through intentional formation and real-world application.
The Leadership Fellows Certificate Program is currently in development, with a goal to launch in Fall 2026.
The emerging leadership framework includes:
Part 1
Servant Leader Foundations
Discover yourself through the DISC assessment, Leadership Practices Inventory 360, and The Leadership Challenge framework—learning how great leaders model the way, inspire vision, challenge the process, enable others, and encourage the heart.
Part 2
Experiential Challenge
Deepen your self-awareness through a team-building retreat with ropes course, leadership prayer circles, and a student-led service initiative.
Part 3
Innovation Sprint
Tackle real-world challenges by selecting from nonprofit, corporate, or church-based innovation sprints alongside peers and mentors.
Part 4
Vocational Engagement
Visit organizations where leaders work, attend executive roundtable dinners, and engage with community partners.
Part 5
Leader Dialogue
Learn from experienced leaders through the Brock Forum, Barnes Executive-in-Residence (EIR), Leaders in the Arena webinars and podcasts, and Executive for the Day by participating in small group visits with executives.
Former United States Deputy Attorney General
Participants Earn a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions
Open to all Covenant students seeking to explore servant leadership. No prior leadership experience necessary.
The 9-month program requires approximately 4-6 hours per week. Scholarship support is available. Contact the program director for details.
You'll earn a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership and join a network of student and alumni leaders. Graduates may go on to serve as mentors in future cohorts.
The program integrates with Career & Calling throughout. You'll build professional relationships through site visits, executive dinners, and "Executive for the Day" experiences, clarifying your vocational direction while developing leadership skills employers value.
Submit a brief application and interview with the selection committee. Space is limited to ensure an intimate cohort experience.