Leadership for All

Leadership for All is a transformative initiative to embed leadership development into the core of the Cornell Engineering experience. We are ensuring that every undergraduate student, beginning with the Class of 2028, acquires fundamental leadership skills as a standard part of their education.

Leadership for All is a strategic priority for the Selander Center for Engineering Leadership.
a group of students extend their arms and make a circle
Page Contents

Initiative Priorities

  • Catalyze technical education
  • Position individuals for continuous learning
  • Align with strategic priorities and values of Cornell Engineering

The Core Four

The Leadership for All initiative is embedding Core Four skills in the undergraduate curriculum. The Core Four are essential for navigating the complexities of engineering practice and leadership in today’s world, as well as for supporting lifelong learning.

  • A hand holding a metal compass

    Core Values and Commitments

    Grounding in identity, purpose, and integrity.

  • A view from the back of an individual listening to a shell.

    Effective Listening

    Fundamental to collaboration, critical reasoning, influence and persuasion, and followership.

  • An illustration of birds flying in a

    Courageous Followership

    Ownership, influence, and accountability without title.

  • Three circles show happy, neutral, and sad faces with a check box next to each

    Seeking Feedback

    Essential for continuous development.

“Sharing core values with others is like opening a door that allows and invites them to find out more about me. That discovery is where I feel connected with other people, and that connection makes me feel I am living in the moment and engaged in my personal life.    ”

Jack Guan Class of 2028

Implementation Philosophy

Our approach to deploying Leadership For All throughout Cornell Engineering is grounded in the following principles.

  • Embedded Curriculum

    Leadership skills are seamlessly integrated into required engineering coursework and undergraduate experiences rather than treated as optional add-ons.

  • Experiential Learning

    Students apply what they learn in real-world settings like team projects and technical courses.

  • Measurable Outcomes

    Programs are designed to track growth in skills, confidence, and
    behaviors, ensuring measurable impact.

  • Scalability

    Through partnerships with faculty and a growing repository of on-demand resources, Leadership for All is designed to scale across the entire undergraduate population.

Student Experience Roadmap

  • Year 1: Core Values and Commitments

    • Freshmen Core Values Discovery
    • 1:1 Coaching
    • ENGRG 1050

  • Years 1-2: Effective Listening

    • Sophomore Experience
    • Project Teams onboarding
    • ENGRG Skills Clinic
    • Clubs and student organizations

  • Years 2-4: Courageous Followership

    • Project Teams onboarding
    • Integrated in department classes
    • ENGRG Skills Clinic

  • Years 3-4: Seeking Feedback

    • Project Teams leadership
    • Integrated in department classes
    • ENGRG Skills Clinic
    • Clubs and student organizations

Complementary Leadership Development Programs

COMPASS Program
Leadership Skills Clinics
Leadership Certification