The PVCC Emerging Leaders Program is patterned after the social change model of leadership developed at the University of California at Los Angeles. Designed on the premise that leadership is a process and not a position, the Emerging Leaders Program at Paradise Valley Community College seeks to empower people to lead through collective action, to develop a passion and commitment to community betterment, and to develop a personal understanding of leadership skills.

The curriculum of this program centers upon the exploration, identification and development of personal values; i.e. an awareness of the values, emotions, attitudes and beliefs that motivate the participant to take leadership action; group values; i.e., the skills that capitalize on multiple talents and perspectives of the group members and the use of diversity to generate creative solutions; and, societal values; i.e., the ability to actively engage in solving community and social issues. Additionally, each participant has the opportunity to develop and implement a service project.

The Advanced Emerging Leaders Program is conducted in a wilderness setting, utilizing the natural environment to further enhance leadership skill building.

Each student participates in four activities: an orientation, a weekend retreat, a service project, and a final banquet. Through structured activities at these meetings and correlated individual activities, participants learn such valuable skills as working on teams, accepting ambiguity, dealing effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, surviving in an environment where rapid change is the norm, and communicating effectively.

The first Emerging Leaders Program was conducted in spring semester, 1998. Since that time, four Emerging Leader Programs and three Advanced Emerging Leader Programs have been held. More than one hundred and twenty-five students have participated in the program.

Students evaluate the program positively, focusing on the opportunities it has provided them for new experiences, seeking greater knowledge, enhanced friendships, and the ability to better both their own lives and those of other members of their communities.

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