Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program

CLDP Cohort with Chancellor and wife giving ‘wolfie’ symbol
The Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is signature program of the Shelton Leadership Center.

The Chancellor’s Leadership Development Program (CLDP) launched in 2017 as a partnership between The Shelton Leadership Center (SLC) and the NC State University Office of the Chancellor to provide first-generation college students and/or students from rural counties in North Carolina a pathway to succeed at the college level and beyond.

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. Within CLDP, students receive access to leadership development resources, events, and training to grow and enhance their unique skill sets and leadership styles.

During their first year, students are enrolled in coursework covering academic success, leadership development, and other topics geared toward not only supporting their transition to college life but also equipping them with skills to thrive personally.

Through one-on-one advising with SLC staff, academic or career mentors, and peers in the program, CLDP students build professional and personal support networks that extend well beyond their time at NC State.

As a result of their experience in CLDP, students excel as values-based leaders focused on serving the community, inspiring others, and impacting the world.


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 Benefits

  • CLDP “for credit” Course 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 second year or third year student in the CLDP
  • 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
  • Leadership development seminars
  • Small scholarship

Second Year Benefits

  • Monthly one-on-one advising sessions with a Shelton Leadership Center staff member
  • Match with faculty or professional mentor in field of study or career field of interest
  • Domestic service trip exploring a social issue in depth
  • Events with Chancellor and Mrs. Woodson at their NC State residence
  • Develop web-based leadership portfolio

Third Year Benefits

  • Monthly one-on-one advising sessions with a Shelton Leadership Center staff member
  • 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
  • Events with Chancellor and Mrs. Woodson at their NC State residence
Students seated and dining with Chancellor

Mentorship

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.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be an incoming first-year student who is a first-generation college student and/or from a rural county in NC.

* First-generation college students are any students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree.


Click the button below for a full map of rural counties.

Application Process

Information regarding applications for the 2024-2026 CLDP cohort will open in Spring 2024. Please check back here for more information. If you are interested in receiving a notification when applications open, please email us at shelton_center@ncsu.edu.

Cost

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.

Students seated laughing with the Chancellor

Frequently Asked Questions

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: 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. 

Info Session

March 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM (EST)

Join us virtually as we cover information regarding CLDP, eligibility requirements and the application process as well as answer your questions.

Contact

For more information about the program please contact us at

shelton_cldp@ncsu.edu