Creating Leaders for Life

Leaders for Life (L4L) is a four-year, cohort-based leadership development and retention program designed to provide underrepresented students with tools to be successful both in and out of the classroom.

Professional development workshops in L4L are designed by the student director board and professional staff around the concepts of diversity and inclusion, balance, self-investment, leadership, wellness, and career. Students also participate in peer and staff mentoring, retreat opportunities, and mentorship trainings.

The first year of L4L includes mentoring meetings with trained upper-division mentors and L4L staff, exclusive professional development workshops, and participation in leadership seminars. The second year includes continued curriculum focusing on opportunities to increase financial literacy, set goals, create action plans, and increase resilience. The third and fourth years focus on mentoring firstand second-year students, while preparing for leadership after college. L4L students develop a strong bond in their cohort and are able to benefit from that group of peers for their entire TCU career.

I am so grateful, daily, that L4L exists. Without L4L, I would not understand the importance of mentorship. I would have less confidence presenting in crowds. I would speak up less. Because of L4L, job opportunities have opened. Relationships have blossomed. Resources have been discovered and utilized. Connection after connection have been made, the list goes on. I cannot emphasize the impact L4L has made on my TCU experience. It is a privilege to be a member of this program

Selena Connell, General Communications Studies Major