Our program focuses intensely on emotional intelligence and self-development. Our students get intensive mentoring in our internship program on the techniques of non-violent communication. In their other core classes they practice their leadership skills and learn to develop self-reflective habits. 

Detroit is a city ready for change. Change is inevitable. The next few years will shape the Detroit of the future. We plan to contribute to this greater Detroit narrative by shaping the future leaders of this movement.

A local program is getting underway in Jackson at Hinds Community College.

“What I would like to see is that when anything is going on with legislation at the state level or locally, we…will be in a position where we will be recognized as a power. The voices of the people will have power. We will have a seat at the table. People will be serious about who we are and who we represent. The voices of the people will be leading.”

“Being a change agent means having the ability to influence decisions about money and politics. It means building power so our communities aren’t restricted by decisions about these things. Before this program, I did not even know that I was interested in being a social change agent. I did not know that even existed.” 

New York has a vast network of professional change agents and faculty driven by a social mission. With a new city administration committed to community engagement, and public colleges and grassroots organizations reaching every neighborhood, the need to match the next generation of change agents with these educators and mentors has never been more timely or urgent.

Our program is a partnership that was born out of a relationship between Laney College, one of the four colleges in the Peralta Community College District; and Urban Strategies Council, a social impact organization that works with stakeholders in low-income communities, community-based organizations, and public systems to increase employment and economic opportunities and improve health and educational outcomes for children and families.

This partnership is unique in that the Maricopa Community College District Office, one of the largest community college districts in the country, is taking a lead role in developing the Phoenix site and forging an academic pathway with Northern Arizona University. The community partnership of Native American Connections and St. Luke’s Health Initiatives uniquely represent major community based health initiatives with a major focus on community development.