Boulder-CU Leadership Program

The Boulder-CU Leadership Program (BCLP) is an impactful and flexible mentorship initiative that connects CU Boulder students with leaders from the Boulder-area community. This program is focused on leadership-specific mentorship and skill building, uplifting tomorrow’s leaders to address the most pressing and complex professional and global issues. This powerful collaboration between the Center for Leadership and the greater Boulder community leverages mentors' specific expertise to help students navigate every day and strategic challenges they face, driving leadership development and fostering personal growth among participants.Ìý

Program Overview

The BCLP formally runs from October through April each academic year. However, we accept and match student applications through February 1, offering flexibility to accommodate varying schedules. BCLP pairs students with mentors based on leadership goals, preferences, and backgrounds to ensure meaningful and impactful matches.Ìý

Our BCLP mentors not only provide guidance on leadership skill development, but they also bring a wealth of life experiences to learn from and grow. Our mentors take pleasure in working with our students and forming a connection while sharing their knowledge from their personal and professional lives.Ìý

While we strive to align students with mentors in their specific fields of interest, we understand the immense value of cross-disciplinary mentorship. Engaging with mentors from diverse professions can broaden perspectives, spark innovative thinking, and enhance problem-solving skills, making your leadership journey even more enriching.Ìý

Deliverables and CommitmentsÌý

Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of 14 hours of mentorship throughout the program.ÌýÌý

Students are expected to:Ìý

  • Initiate contact with mentors after being matched
  • Complete a BCLP Expectations Agreement (link to a pdf downloadable version)Ìý

  • Complete a Midpoint Check-in through memo or in-person/virtual meeting (link to a downloadable version)Ìý

  • Provide a Final Reflection and Feedback Discussion

Mentors are expected to:Ìý

  • Sign the Expectations AgreementÌý
  • Provide a Final Feedback Discussion at the conclusion of the program (link to a downloadable version)Ìý

Who is eligible to participate in the BCLP?

All CU Boulder students who are committed to self-growth and leadership development are encouraged to apply. Additionally, leaders from the Boulder area who are willing to volunteer their time to help develop future leaders are also encouraged to apply. The program is free for all participants.Ìý

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Apply Now!

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please note the Mentor Criteria for Community and Business Leaders:

  • Strong volunteer
  • Passionate about the importance of strengthening tomorrow's leaders
  • Available and flexible to engageÌýin the program
  • Confident in the ability to develop leadership skills
  • Willing to commit to 14 hours of mentoring/discussion time with the students during the academic year

Mentor ApplicationÌý

If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please note the Mentee Criteria for CU Leadership Students:

  • Current CU Boulder student (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Dedicated to self growth and leadership development
  • Engage in required assignments, including the Expectations Agreement and mid-point reflection
  • Adhere to all requirements of the CU Honor Code
  • Willing to commit to 14 hours of mentoring/discussion time with a mentor during the academic year

Mentee ApplicationÌý

If you have any questions, please reach out to chloe.nicklas@colorado.edu.

Group of mentors and students pose in front of the flatirons at sunset

“BCLP is an incredible program. I truly appreciate the resources, opportunities, and connections that BCLP facilitates throughout the mentorship! This is my second year in the program, and both years have been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. I plan to keep in touch with both of my mentors for the rest of my college career and beyond!†- Student 25/26 Cohort

“I think it is a very valuable way to connect to the CU community, leverage the work and life experiences the mentors have gained, and provide the mentees with a "safe space" to discuss their campus life and future plans.†Ìý- Mentor 25/26 Cohort

“I was very pleased with the flexibility that [mentor] offered me throughout the year. My workload fluctuates a lot due to being in a projects-based major, and he always worked with me to make sure I wasn’t getting an additional stressor via this mentorship. I’m pleased with the wisdom bestowed upon me and know that it will help me navigate public relations in the future.†- Student 25/26 Cohort

“This program is so essential... We are addressing a core social issue which is a new aspect of the "digital divide," which is reflected in the gaps in our human-to-human relationships. I think this program is a microcosm of what CU's "secret sauce,"...Enrollment is much more than classes, exams, and 4-6 years; we are shepherding souls, minds, and hearts. What a gift we've been entrusted with...†- Mentor 25/26 Cohort