Some college students can face unique professional challenges, including less access to leadership development, professional networks, and internship and career opportunities. These obstacles can impact college retention, aspirations, further education, and employment.
THE GOALS
Support college student enrollment, retention and graduation.
Provide professional development opportunities.
Introduce students to career networks and workplace environments.
THREE TYPES OF PROGRAMS: HISPA partners with government programs, supports existing college programs, and hosts HISPA Leaders in College independently on college campuses.
WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS: The Leadership Workshop Series
INDEPENDENT PROGRAM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: HISPA Leaders in College
SUPPORT EXISTING PROGRAMS: HISPA Leadership Workshop Series for Passaic County Community College STEM Explorers Academy
WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS: The Leadership Workshop Series
In 2012, HISPA launched the Leadership Workshop Series for the Governor’s Hispanic Fellows Program, sponsored by the State of New Jersey and overseen by the Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development. The HISPA Leadership Workshop Series addressed systemic disparities and delivered leadership development led by diverse professionals.
Today, each full-day workshop has a unique focus and develops skills crucial to success in any field. Workshops are hosted by partner organizations, which have included AT&T, Bloomberg, Bristol Myers Squibb, ETS, Montclair State University, Princeton University, PSEG, UPS, and more.
INDEPENDENT PROGRAM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES: HISPA Leaders in College
Having successfully planned and conducted HISPA’s Leadership Workshop Series for 10+ years and seeing great results, HISPA established the Leaders in College program to serve more students.
HISPA Leaders in College consists of eight 90-minute sessions that support students’ academic and professional success. These sessions—a mix of professional and leadership development workshops and career panel discussions led by professionals—develop both “hard” and “soft” skills and connect students to community service, internship, and career opportunities. This program also provides unique opportunities for participants to build peer networks, increasing their sense of belonging in the college community.
HISPA hosted the Leaders in College program at NJIT, Union County Community College, and Rider University in New Jersey.
Program Goals
- Validate students’ aspirations and empower them to set academic and career.
- Build self-confidence and self-efficacy to help students achieve their goals.
- Develop self-awareness as leaders and team players, and enable students to identify personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Develop ownership of their careers by strengthening 21st-century skills such as networking and personal branding.
- Network with professionals from HISPA’s partner companies, schools, and organizations.
- Prepare students to successfully transition into careers and become community leaders.
- Gain community service and leadership experience by participating in HISPA’s educational programs, inspiring younger students (e.g., Role Model Program, Corporate Visits, Youth Conferences).
Sample Schedule
SUPPORT EXISTING PROGRAMS: HISPA Leadership Workshop Series for Passaic County Community College STEM Explorers Academy
STEM Explorers Academy is a 4-week, high-energy STEM exploration program that provides incoming first-year college students with enrichment classes and college and career planning and coaching. HISPA’s Leadership Workshops for this program include a variety of presentations from STEM industry experts; personal and professional development sessions; and mentoring, keynote speakers, and panel presentations. Students meet and learn from STEM professionals and learn about the careers and opportunities that exist in these fields.
In summer 2022 and summer 2023, HISPA Role Models from Organon, Google, NASA, Columbia University, AT&T, Bristol Myers Squibb, Verizon, U.S. Navy, PSEG, Citibank, Montclair State University, Verizon, and Amazon. have volunteered for the program.
THE BENEFITS
The Leaders in College initiative supports undergraduates, their colleges and universities, and public and private sector companies and organizations.
Undergraduates
Gain access and exposure to professional and leadership development opportunities, career networks and role models, and community engagement and service.
Colleges
Provide historically underserved students innovative ways to find best career matches, increasing post-graduation employment rates and positively reflecting on school brand.
Companies
Build organizational value by hiring a more professionally prepared—workforce of young leaders.
CONTACT US
Interested in learning more about our Leaders in College initiative?
Please contact us at natalia@hispa.org or by sending a message in the following box with the following information: Your name and title – Organization – Location.