ASU Leadership Institute

Discover how ASU leads innovation, from the classroom to our communities.

What is the ASU Leadership Institute?

The ASU Leadership Institute is a nine-month personal and professional leadership development program designed specifically for Sun Devil alumni.

Join us for this wide-ranging crash course in how ASU approaches leadership and innovation through campus visits, conversations with ASU leaders and behind-the-scenes tours.

When walking away from the program, we hope you leave with a better understanding of leadership through the ASU Charter, newfound leadership skills and an incredible network of fellow Sun Devils.

Questions about the ASU Leadership Institute? Contact Ellyse Crow, Director of Affinity Programs at 480-965-2464.

What to expect

Innovation Days

The time commitment for this program is one Friday each month for a nine-month period - we call these “Innovation Days”. Bring your curiosity and your walking shoes each Innovation Day, as we will spend a full day hearing from leaders, taking tours and participating in workshops to hone your leadership skills.

The topics for Class 8's Innovation Days are based on ASU’s charter, which drives ASU’s mission and goals as a public research university:

Leverage Our Place
Transform Society
Value Entrepreneurship
Conduct Use-Inspired Research
Enable Student Success

Fuse Intellectual Disciplines
Be Socially Embedded
Engage Globally
Practice Principled Innovation

Extracurricular Activities

Just like our current students, we want you to engage outside the classroom! Throughout the nine months, pick five different “Extracurricular Activities” to learn more about what interests you at ASU! Some of these opportunities include:

– Attending an ASU sporting event

– Attending a lecture

– Reviewing student scholarship applications

– Participating in ASU traditions

The options are limitless, and we encourage you to find opportunities to learn more about your alma mater in areas that interest you!

A group of ALI members take a photo with Sparky

An ALI member at a Sparky's Touchdown Tailgate

ASU Leadership Institute Network

By participating in the ASU Leadership Institute, you are joining a network of over 150 Sun Devil alumni who have gone through the program. In addition to the close relationships you will build with your fellow cohort members, we encourage you to take advantage of social events that are designed to bring alumni and the current cohort together!

How to apply

What does the application include?

You will submit your application by April 30. After review of your written application, candidates will be notified whether or not they have received an interview. Interviews are conducted by program alumni and ASU Alumni Association staff and located in Old Main on ASU’s Tempe campus.

Written application materials:

Your resume
A personal statement of 300-500 words
One letter of recommendation from current employer
A nonrefundable application fee of $50
(Optional) letter of recommendation detailing community involvement

When can I apply?

The application cycle runs from January - April each year.

Interviews take place in May and the cohort will run from August - May, the length of a school year.

Application timeline:

Jan. 30 - Applications go live

April 30 - Applications close

May 20-22 - Interviews for Class 8

June 1 - Applicants are notified of selection

Who can apply?

ALI graphic showing who the program is open to

One of the unique aspects of the ASU Leadership Institute is how diverse the cohort is. As a participant, you will be surrounded by fellow alumni where the only shared characteristic is that you are both proud Sun Devils.

FAQs

What is the time commitment, and how long are the program days?

The time commitment for the ASU Leadership Institute includes nine ASU Innovation Days (8am-5pm), the program orientation, graduation and 5 in-person engagement opportunities at ASU which can be selected by the participant. Attendance is mandatory for the orientation, ASU Innovation Day #1 and graduation (absolutely no exceptions). If you cannot commit to the full schedule, please consider applying at another time when it better suits your schedule.

How much does the ASU Leadership Institute cost?

The program fee is $1,850 and due Aug. 31. There is early bird fee is $1,600 if paid in full by Aug. 15. The program fee covers full participation in all ASU Innovation Days, all materials and meals during the institute.

Will you consider applicants from outside the Phoenix metropolitan area?

Absolutely. All participants will be required to fulfill time and project requirements at their own expense in addition to the application and tuition fees.

How do employers benefit by sponsoring an applicant?

Employers benefit from an employee’s improved leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Through their employee’s involvement, employers gain access to a broad network of prestigious leadership contacts, extensive knowledge of higher education and its impact on society, and how the No. 1 university in innovation prepares the next generation of leaders. Through this nine-month program, participants will learn the value and strength of individual influence on effecting change.

I do not work for a company; I own my business. Can I apply?

Absolutely. In this case, please submit a letter of recommendation from another source such as a mentor, business partner, former professor, former colleague, etc.

What are the expectations upon completion of the program?

After successful completion of the program, we want participants to stay involved in the ASU Alumni Association, become involved in the university by serving on a board or council, help create and/or raise funds for student scholarships, serve as ambassadors for ASU in the community, and help ensure the ongoing success of this program.