Overview

Collective Leadership for Equity-Centered Change

Leading from the Middle (LFM) is a 15-month leadership development experience designed to strengthen the capacity of middle leaders (faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and institutional researchers) to lead complex, equity-centered change across roles and divisions.

LFM uses Vision 2030–aligned initiatives as the vehicle for learning. Its primary outcome is strengthened leadership capacity—the ability to navigate complexity, build shared ownership, and sustain institutional transformation.

Application & Academy Timeline
  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  • Applicants will be notified of selection in early May 2026.

2026–27 Academy Dates
  • Virtual Kick-Off: September 11, 2026 | 10:00 am–1:00 pm
  • In-Person Convenings: All convenings will be held at Kellogg West Conference Center, Pomona, CA
    • October 15–17, 2026
    • February 25–27, 2027
    • June 3–5, 2027
  • Virtual Celebration of Learning: September 10, 2027 | 10:00 am–1:00 pm
Between convenings, teams participate in virtual onboarding, coaching, and sustainability planning.

Academy Fee & Participation
The cost for a college team (up to six members) is $7,500.

The academy fee includes:
  • An assigned LFM coach for the full 15-month experience
  • Three facilitated in-person convenings (lodging and meals included)
  • Structured virtual onboarding and sustainability sessions
  • Leadership development curriculum grounded in equity and systems thinking
  • Participation in a statewide learning community of cross-functional teams
Participation positions your college within a visible statewide network of institutions advancing Vision 2030 priorities.

Travel to and from the convenings is not included.

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