Program Experience | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

Vision, Mission, & Objectives

Building on the original Women’s Leadership Initiative, this updated approach developed by alumni of the college and leaders throughout the nation expands leadership and networking opportunities to a broader and more diverse group of student leaders.

Participants emerge from the program with an enhanced understanding of their own leadership philosophy, the ability to identify and practice key leadership behaviors, and a greater appreciation of the role leadership plays in our global community.

Vision: To enrich the leadership potential of HHD students through Engaged Learning experiences dedicated to leadership training, coaching, and mentoring.

Mission: To produce visionary student leaders grounded in theory and practice who enact positive change in their local communities and organizations today while preparing to contribute to a more inclusive, innovative, and imaginative global community tomorrow.

Objectives

To educate students on leadership theories, styles, and models.
To help students identify their personal values, goals, and leadership behaviors.
To provide a space for students to practice and hone foundational leadership skills.

Program Components

The HHD Leadership EDGE Program includes a 2-credit course offered during the Spring semester for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students looking to develop their leadership skills in a structured and supportive environment. This college-wide program seeks a cohort of 30-40 students with approximately 4-5 students representing each academic department in HHD. Students will also participate in networking and travel opportunities outside of class time.

In Spring 2026, HHD 197: Foundations of Leadership (2 credits) will be offered on Tuesdays from 3:35 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Successful applicants will be manually enrolled in the course.

Activities Include:

In-class group discussions
In-class skills-based workshops and presentations
Out-of-class reflective assignments
Leadership in Action site visit(s)
Networking with the HHD alumni

A digital leadership badge and certificate may be earned following satisfactory completion of all program/course requirements.

Student Testimonials

Spring 2025: “I feel much more confident speaking in a group setting and answering personal questions about what it means to be a leader.”

“I feel like my communication has taken a huge step forward, and being able to collaborate with others.”

“The collaboration required for the alumni-sponsored project was most valuable to me because it forced me to come out of my shell and trust the knowledge that my kinesiology classes have brought me [...].”

“I now understand the importance of diverse communication methods between different personalities, and I will use this new knowledge to remind myself that everyone around me enjoys different communication styles and will work better if I learn their needs.”

Spring 2024: "[The HHD Leadership Initiative] definitely helped me grow professionally because it was the most professional setting I've been in so far. Personally, I feel more confident as a leader which helps me academically as well!"

Our events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class. The College of Health and Human Development is committed to building a community of belonging for all.