Leadership Institute

Why attend the Leadership Institute?

SVA Alumni Mentors facilitate attendees through a foundational leadership experience to develop core values and hone their leadership skills. Selected through a competitive application process, the nation’s top SVA Chapter Leaders leave with an awareness of their personal leadership ethos and a connected network of peers.

Travel, lodging, and meals will be provided by SVA for all students selected to attend by a competitive application process. The 2020 application will not be open to previous SVA Leadership Institute attendees, but we encourage past attendees to help us spread the word!

Outcomes for Attendees:

• Understand your most impactful core values.
• Learn how core values directly support and reinforce your leadership ethos.
• Create a defined personal leadership vision to directly support the “why” behind that ethos.
• Develop an action plan to see your vision come to fruition.
• Join an established support and follow-up network with your fellow participants, facilitators, and mentors.

Who Should Apply?

SVA is looking for the following three core strengths in each attendee:

• Propensity for Learning: You’re a dedicated life-long learner who recognizes the need to sharpen skills not only in leadership but all aspects of life.
• Openness to New ideas: You’re receptive to discussing and adopting new concepts and leadership philosophies, even when they may challenge your own.
• Collaborative: You believe strongly in working as a member of a team and adopting a mentality which is conducive to collaboration and sharing of responsibility.

Components of the SVA Leadership Institute

• Tours & Meetings with Lawmakers: SVA’s National Headquarters staff will take attendees to meet with lawmakers and learn about national advocacy for student veterans.
• Evening Activities & Hosted Receptions: Receptions and team building activities will be hosted in partnership with leaders in higher education, government, veteran organizations, and business.
• SVA Leadership Institute Curriculum: The SVA Leadership Institute is a foundational leadership experience that focuses on developing core values and honing leadership skills to affect change stretching beyond your SVA chapter and campus.
• Mentorship: Attendees will be coached by SVA Alumni mentors on the importance of leadership behavior, personal branding, how to deliver results, and fostering relationships.