Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

The Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program (CLDP) seeks to support incoming first-year students who are first-generation college students and/or are from rural counties within North Carolina. Students from all colleges within NC State University are accepted into the program. CLDP is structured as a two-year program, with an optional third year, to help students maximize their leadership skills through experiential learning and self-discovery.

Meet our current and former students

Program Overview

Each fall, 20-25 incoming, first-year students are selected to form a cohort of the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program. The program requires attendance and participation on a weekly basis for a variety of opportunities, some of which are listed below. Students should expect to commit at least two hours per week to program components.

First Year Opportunities

  • Weekly seminars (Wednesdays from 1:15-2:45pm) on a variety of topics including: academic success, personal transition as a first-generation college student, values-based leadership theory, self-advocacy as a college student, financial literacy, and more
  • Weekend retreat off campus
  • Monthly one-on-one advising sessions with a Shelton Leadership Center staff member
  • Monthly one-on-one peer coaching with a sophomore or junior in the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program
  • Events with Chancellor and Mrs. Woodson at their NC State residence
  • Shelton Leadership Center programs such as the Shelton Speaker Series and the Shelton Leadership Forum

Second Year Opportunities

  • Match with faculty or professional mentor in field of study or career field of interest
  • Domestic service trip exploring a social issue in depth

Third Year Opportunities

  • Leadership roles within the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program
  • International Leadership Experience trip with funding support from the Shelton Leadership Center
  • Serve on CLDP Leadership Council

CLDP Application Process

The application process for the 2023-2025 cohort will be available in the spring via PackAssist for students who qualify for the program/scholarship. Applications deadline will be announced soon.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Where can I find the components that are needed for the application?

A: All application components are on PackAssist. Pack Assist requires students to create a profile when logging for the first time. Students who meet the program criteria (first-generation college student or from a rural North Carolina county) can access the CLDP application from two locations within Pack Assist. When students first login, they will land on their applications and can click the one for CLDP. Or, if students are on their Pack Assist dashboard, the application shows under “Needs Attention”.

Q: I am a recipient of the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship. Am I required to apply for the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program to keep my scholarship?

A: No. The Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship is a separate opportunity at NC State and is not tied to this program. Students who receive the Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship are welcome to apply to this program, which is a separate process. 

Q: Is there a cost to apply or participate?

A: No. There is no application cost. Participation in the required aspects of the programs are 100% paid for by the Shelton Leadership Center. There are optional components of the program that may require minimal cost. 

Q: When you’re in this program, is there a lot of conflict with classes and activities at State?

A: Not usually. Program events and meetings are mostly scheduled around student schedules and availability. We have a flexible policy for students to be able to attend class, work, and be involved with extracurriculars in addition to CLDP. Students can expect to commit 1-2 hours per week to CLDP activities. 

Q: Are any of the students on a sports team and find difficulty having balance?

A: We have had student athletes in CLDP in the past and it’s absolutely possible to do both. Our staff is happy to make adjustments and accommodations to make CLDP work with student athlete demands. 

For more information about the CLDP application process, please contact Tania Gavino-Lopez, Program Specialist for CLDP.

Mentorship through the Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

An integral aspect of our program is facilitating mentorship opportunities for our participants. During the first year of the program, students are matched with a second or third year CLDP student who serves as their peer mentor. The purpose of the peer mentor program is for experienced CLDP students to provide an added layer of support to first-year CLDP students. Peer mentors assist their mentees in acclimating to the CLDP program and student life at NC State.

During the second and third year of the program, each student will be matched with an individual faculty or professional mentor on campus who aligns with their intended major or a professional aspirations.

For more information about the program, please contact Jillian Cross.