The Newton Fellowship Program recognizes and cultivates the most exceptional student leaders at CU Boulder. This unique academic year-long program gathers outstanding students from various affiliate programs of the Center for Leadership, providing them with a transformative leadership development experience. Participants enhance their leadership skills within a cohort by utilizing the Center for Leadership's distinctive development model, which includes specialized training, experiential learning intensives and individual coaching. Additionally, fellows receive financial support and exclusive networking opportunities. 

Eligibility

  • CU Boulder students (degree-seeking only). Fellows must be current students with at least one full year remaining at CU Boulder

Delivery Mode

In-Person


Credit Status

Noncredit

Academic Level

  • Undergraduate

Time to Completion

Four full-day experiential leadership intensives and four afternoon workshops. Ten hours of coaching is scheduled independently.

Fee

No

Requirements

Over the course of an academic year, fellows must complete: 

  • Experiential Leadership Intensive: Fall Orientation & Kick-Off (offsite and overnight, includes challenge course and hike) 
  • 10 hours of leadership coaching with ICF-certified coach (fall) 
  • Four competency-based workshops (delivered in partnership with CU Boulder faculty/staff; offered in both fall and spring) 
  • Experiential Leadership Intensive (ELI): Spring Change-makers Challenge (two-day intensive, team-based, solution-oriented leadership project)  

Criteria

Fellows are required to participate in all the activities listed above. If they are unable to attend a workshop, they must complete the assigned make-up work. All ELI sessions and workshops will help develop the competencies outlined below. Additionally, 10–14 hours of leadership coaching will facilitate reflection on these competencies. 

Assessment of competency growth and development will be validated by a pre- and post-program survey, and exit interviews with the student and their affiliate leadership program director/nominator.

Competencies

Leading Self 
  • Character: Develops and clarifies a personal leadership code based on values and ethics. Takes initiative, exercises leadership and assumes responsibility. 
  • Career and self-development: Acquires work-related skills and knowledge. Proactively seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth. 
  • Resilience: Adapts effectively to change, manages pressure and copes well with setbacks. Prioritizes well-being and maintains perseverance. 
Leading Others 
  • Teamwork: Works effectively with others, prioritizing collaboration and shared success. Builds strong relationships with individuals and teams.
  • Communication: Speaks clearly and effectively. Engages others through confident, persuasive, and meaningful interactions. 
  • Inclusion: Demonstrates openness, respect, and the ability to create an inclusive environment. Values diverse perspectives and fosters belonging.  
Leading Change 
  • Critical thinking: Thinks critically and analytically to make informed decisions. Identifies key issues and applies expertise effectively.
  • Innovation and creativity: Approaches real-world challenges with creativity and adaptability. Embraces new ideas and drives meaningful change.
  • Civic engagement: Strives to be an informed and active citizen, contributing positively to society. Takes a thoughtful, organized approach to making an impact on society.  

Skills

  • Career development
  • Civic engagement
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Inclusion
  • Innovation
  • Leadership values
  • Resilience
  • Public speaking
  • Personal development
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork