Bruin Leaders Project: Offering Students the Skills to Lead

Meet the students in UCLA’s groundbreaking project to train students who are aiming to make a difference.

Jamie Feld was a freshman who wanted to take advantage of all UCLA had to offer. So when she saw the flyer for a seminar on Creativity in Leadership, she decided to check it out.

Although Feld was anxious to build her skills, she was nervous about attending the seminar. “The word ‘leadership’ intimidated me. I wasn't involved in student government. I didn't know what to expect,” she says.

Feld liked the first seminar so much, she promptly signed up for more.

“I got really into it and kept going. Four years later, I was still involved,” said Feld, who graduated in June of 2006 and is currently working on a research study for the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Feld had discovered the Bruin Leaders Project (BLP). The free leadership development program, which is open to all students, is sponsored by the Center for Student Programming, one of the many departments under the umbrella of Student Affairs.

“A lot of people want to be leaders but don't know how to achieve that goal,” said Feld. “BLP gave me concrete skills, a sense of self-awareness and a community of people from all different groups, majors and backgrounds that I wouldn't have otherwise met.”

While students can attend as few or as many Bruin Leaders programs as they wish, they are encouraged to earn a Certificate of Leadership by attending six seminars and completing a community service component. Thanks to efforts by Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Judi Smith, students who complete the program can earn one academic credit as of this year through enrollment in the course, Civic Engagement 18.

“The Bruin Leaders Project emphasizes personal development in a non-threatening atmosphere,” said Mike Cohn, Assistant Director of the Center for Student Programming and Coordinator of the program. “Many people are interested in developing leadership skills, but are fearful of stepping into a leadership position. Our program enables students to discover what they're good at and build on that.”

To earn a certificate, students complete three core seminars, three electives and a volunteer community service project. The first of the three core seminars looks at the Social Change Model of Leadership, which fosters personal growth, collaboration and community service; the model recognizes everyone's potential to be a leader in whatever situation they may find themselves.

The second seminar explores diversity – whether through a general or a specific lens – while the third seminar brings it all together at the conclusion of the program. Electives include such topics as public speaking, conflict resolution and ethical decision making.

Seminars are taught by UCLA administrators, faculty and alumni, as well as other community leaders and prominent figures. In February, for example, former Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis taught a seminar on the leadership styles of America's leaders.

Cohn says that several hundred students are currently involved in BLP, and about a third of them will complete the program by graduation. Participants span all academic disciplines and include both undergraduate and graduate students.

“Our hope is that students can enhance their skills and use them as a jumping point to get involved in a leadership role on campus, or in the community,” said Cohn.

Andrea Chang is a senior who carries a double major in Global Studies and Spanish. She was active in leadership efforts throughout high school, including involvement in the High School Academy of Business Leadership, which teaches business fundamentals to underprivileged youth.

She got involved in BLP because she was interested in honing her skills and meeting others interested in leadership. Now, having completed the Certificate, Chang is on the BLP Student Facilitation Team. These “graduates” of the program help with logistics to ensure that programs run smoothly. She also serves on a BLP committee, which made materials from the BLP library available on the web.

“I wish more people would take advantage of this program,” said Chang. She says she has gained both communication skills that allow her to be more confident in interviews, and team skills, which are important in the workplace.

Pat Hamo agrees that BLP skills are an asset professionally. Hamo, who graduated in 2005 with a degree in mechanical engineering, works as a patent examiner for the US Patent and Trademark Office in Virginia.

“The seminars are designed to inspire and bring out the leader in each of us,” said Hamo. “They teach us to find leadership opportunities in our everyday lives, whether or not they fit the traditional hierarchical model. Even when you get into the office culture of top-down leadership, it's easier to excel at your job when you are prepared to make your own decisions and be a leader even in a subordinate role.”

For more information about the Bruin Leaders Project, stop by the UCLA Center for Student Programming at 105 Kerckhoff Hall, call (310) 206-5071 or visit www.bruinleaders.ucla.edu.

PARENT RESOURCES:
Your Guide to
an Amazing Place

At UCLA, you'll find more world-class arts, culture, sports and exhibitions than many cities offer. From concerts at noon to internationally-acclaimed events in the evening, most UCLA events are free to students.

Parents are welcome, too; here's your guide to everything to do and experience at UCLA.

Learn more

Get Involved

Join the Alumni Association
Be an advocate
Give to UCLA

Leadership

Janina Montero, Student Affairs
Judith L. Smith, Undergraduate Education
Robert Naples, Student and Campus Life

Academic Support

Links to everything related to your student's academic needs.

Campus Life

Everything you need to contact the people and programs at UCLA that encourage personal growth and involvement.

Health and Wellbeing

Find the resources and programs we provide to ensure the physical and mental health and well-being of your child.

Visiting Campus

Coming to visit UCLA? Click here for information about where to stay, what to do and how to get around.

Money Matters

Links to assist you with all of your financial needs including financial aid, student loans and budgeting advice.