What is Ignite?
The Ignite Leadership Certificate Program (Ignite) supports students in identifying, developing, and refining their leadership skills and abilities through programming in 10 different competency areas. Participating in Ignite is a great way to meet and engage with other student leaders, to develop workforce-ready leadership skills, and to become a more socially-just leader. Program completion is highlighted on a student’s official CSP transcript and at commencement and is free and open to all Concordia undergraduate students.
In the 2023-2024 school year the Ignite Leadership program had 330 attendees at events.
In the 2023-2024 school year the Ignite Leadership program had 34 majors represented in the program.
Grow as a Leader
“ The Ignite program has been remarkable and something that will forever have left a mark on me. Ignite offered an amazing opportunity for me to grow not only as a leader but also as a person and provided many gratifying experiences – especially the fall retreat at Camp Victory, which many fellow students will probably agree was one of the best moments in the program.”
– Jayden Karppinen, B.S. in Psychology ’24
The 10 Competencies of Ignite
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As leaders, we cannot lead others until we know ourselves. This competency area allows you to explore your emotional awareness and how it impacts others around you. Learn effective skills within resiliency, coping, and management of feelings that lead to action.of
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Fulfill this competency area by attending the Fall Leadership Retreat. The Fall Leadership Retreat takes place once a year in October. We spend 3 days and 2 nights at a camp doing community building activities, leadership workshops, high/low ropes course, and eating s’mores! The retreat might look different this year. However, students will still participate in community building and leadership development opportunities.
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Every student has a unique perspective. Learn from others to broaden your perspectives.
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Understanding and seeing who you are as a person can lead to more confidence and creativity. The Self-Awareness competency is completed through the StrengthsFinder, a leadership assessment inventory. By completing a StrengthsFinder assessment, you will discover what you naturally do best, learn how to develop your greatest talents into strengths, and use your results to maximize your leadership potential.
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Great leaders know when to take charge and when to take a step back. Discover how you work best with others and how you can support teamwork, collaboration, and a group process.I
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Making difficult decisions is a crucial aspect of becoming an adult. Explore what it means to make effective choices that benefit and uplift others around you while prioritizing your core values and ethics.
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Failing is a natural part of being a leader. It’s what comes after that counts. Learn how to gracefully receive feedback and adapt your leadership style accordingly.
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Through creativity comes innovation. Using your developed sense of creativity, you will learn how to think outside the box, both in person and online.
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An effective leader is in tune with their community. We encourage each member of Ignite to find their niche within the community by participating in service-learning hours.
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Be a changemaker! In an ever adapting world, how will you leverage your skills and talents to be bold, be ready, be you? Set goals, establish future trajectory, and articulate your leadership strengths to future employers!
Ready to start your leadership journey?
Ignite prepares you to be a thoughtful, informed, and authentic leader. Completing the 10 Ignite competency areas will give you valuable leadership skills to use in your future career.
