Leadership Excellence Program (LEP)

Application Opens: June 1st

Application Deadline: June 30th

Applicant Confirmation + Interviews Begin: July 1st

Review Period: July 25th-July 29th

Decision Notifications: July 30th

Confirmation Deadline: August 5th

Pre-work Distribution: August 6th

Cohort Begins: September 4th

Pre-work:

• CliftonStrengths Assessment
• Pre-Impact Survey Assessment
• Manager Conversation/Team Conversations

Program Sessions:

• In-Person: One three-hour instructor led session per month on the first Thursday, September to April.
• Retrospectives: One hour virtual session on the last Thursday of the month to participate in peer learning groups.

Manager Touch Points: Structured check-ins with your manager at three key milestones throughout the program:

• Program kickoff (September) to align on goals and development focus
• Mid-program (January) to review progress and adjust focus areas
• Program close (April) to reflect on growth and plan next steps

Applied Final Project: A capstone case study completed in the final month of the program in which participants are given an extensive, real-world leadership scenario to analyze, apply concepts and tools from throughout the program, and present their findings and recommendations to the cohort.

Post-Impact Survey Assessment: Completed at the close of the program to measure growth, reflect on development, and assess the overall impact of the program experience.

Please note: The Leadership Excellence Program is now an invite-only program. Eligible senior leaders will receive an official invitation to apply via email from HU Learning.

A senior leader at Howard University is a key executive responsible for shaping and executing the university's strategic vision. They manage other managers or report directly to a cabinet member, overseeing multiple teams or cross-functional initiatives. Senior leaders drive long-term goals through strategic decision-making, influence, and systems thinking, impacting the university’s overall direction and operations.

Step 1: Receive an email from HU Learning confirming eligibility and link to application.  

Step 2: Review the program objectives, curriculum, and time commitment. 

• We encourage you to begin the conversation with your manager about your application. 

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

• A statement that addresses the following (no more than 500 words)
  • Your current leadership philosophy. (A leadership philosophy is a set of values, beliefs, and principles that guide your actions and decisions when leading a team or organization)
  • Responses to each of the questions:
    • How would participation in the program strengthen your ability to perform in your current role?
    • How would your participation in the program benefit the university?
    • What leadership behaviors do you want to build upon/strengthen

Step 4: Submit Application

• Use the link in your invitation email to complete the application.