The Student Leadership Institute (SLI) at Rio Hondo College is a non-credit certificate program in partnership with California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Students who participate acquire and develop the skills and awareness necessary to become an effective leader on campus, in the community, and in their future career. They learn the value of networking, gain effective communication skills, enhance their confidence, define their leadership style, and engage in co-curricular activities that augment their academic learning. Students who successfully complete the program earn a leadership certificate signed by the CSUF college president, a very marketable tool on a resume and on transfer applications.
SLI Students are required to attend a series of workshops which will earn them a leadership certificate from CSUF upon program completion. Participation in SLI is free of charge and open to all RHC students. There are no minimum requirements for units enrolled, grade point average, or prior leadership experience for program participation. Students are required to commit to a full academic year to complete the program and are accepted in the Fall Semester.
Track 1 Certificate: Emerging Leadership – On HOLD (CSUF Certificate)
Workshops and activities are offered through two (2) mandatory conferences which the first takes place at Rio Hondo College and the following month, the 2nd conference takes place at CSUF. During the 2nd conference, students will have the opportunity to network with their fellow SLI peers from Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College and from Cal State, Fullerton. We will only accept 30 students into the leadership program, and students are given program acceptance based on their application. Students who attend a mandatory orientation are given priority. ASRHC and Student Ambassadors are also given priority in the program.
Track 1 Continued: Service Learning- On HOLD (CSUF Certificate)
In the second half of the academic year commitment, students are required to attend at least one (1) workshop from the Student Success Center; one (1) workshop from the Center for Career and Re-Entry Services and one (1) Student Life & Leadership Community Service Event. These workshops and support events are all completed within the Spring Semester at a student’s own pace. We finish with a program survey and reflection paper. There is a graduation banquet at CSUF for students who complete the full academic year in the program.
Track 2 Certificate: Social Justice Leadership Institute
Workshops are offered through multiple events and field trips in the Fall and will end with a mandatory end of program project. There are 25 seats in the program, and students are given program acceptance on a first come basis. Students who apply and attend a mandatory orientation are given priority. ASRHC and Student Ambassador students are also given priority in the program.
To apply to the Student Leadership Institute (Track 1 ONLY)
1) First step is to complete an orientation on campus.
2) Level 1 applicants must attend a mandatory Program Orientation which takes place the month before the conference. Leadership Orientations will provide information on conference schedules and program details.
