Madison Leadership Program

The Madison Leadership Program (MLP) prepares fellows to be next generation leaders who can participate and shape public and international affairs. The program focuses on developing leadership skills that can be used at the local, state, national, and global levels. 
The program breaks away from the notion that ‘leaders are born’ and aims to nurture leaders who are informed, committed, experienced, and culturally aware. MLP focuses on two areas of public life: electoral politics and government, and civic activism and non-profit leadership.
It is structured to provide insight into:

1. different models of leadership;
2. inclusive and representative public leadership; and
3. modes of community engagement with particular focus on participatory democracy.

The program, which has operated at JMC since 2018, also provides participants with an internship experience and cultivates competency in cross-cultural interactions. While the program has previously included an overseas component, the 2025-26 MLP cohort will be fully based in Michigan due to university-wide budget reductions implemented in July 2025. 

Program Overview

Selected participants will enroll in a two semester-long program (9 to 12 credits) of study, research, and community engagement.

Minimum requirements for the program include:

1. Course Enrollment:
   1. A one-credit intensive course on leadership that will involve readings and assignments in the fall semester. The course will familiarize students with conceptual and practical dimensions of leadership, both domestic and international.
   2. A four-credit, spring semester course on political representation, participatory democracy and participatory action research, and civic engagement, including case studies from the US and around the world.
   3. A four-credit, spring semester internship that relates to the themes of the course and the program. Please note: the program can fulfill the Madison field experience requirement.
2. Research Presentation: Presentation at Madison’s Research Showcase at the end of the spring semester.

Eligibility

The program is designed for a group of up to 12 Madison College students, representing a range of majors, interests, and perspectives, contributing to meaningful learning. 

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This program is open to all JMC students.

Successful applicants will:

1. be at least a Madison sophomore, preferably a junior or senior, in good standing with a GPA of at least 3.0;
2. have experience in engagement and/or leadership in college, university, or community organizations or settings;
3. demonstrate commitment to positive interactions and civil dialogue across differences; and
4. intend to pursue a career in public affairs anywhere in the globe.

How to Apply

Applications for this program open annually in the spring semester. Please contact Professor Linda Racioppi (racioppi@msu.edu), Professor Sejuti Das Gupta (dasgup16@msu.edu) or Professor Melissa Fore (foremeli@msu.edu) with questions.

Student Reflections

"The MDLP encouraged me to participate in leadership training and network with professional leaders across the state. Through debates, campaigns, and projects, I learned about different leadership styles and the impact of these varying ways to enact change." 
— Aditi Kulkarni (CCP '24)

"The Madison Diversity Leadership Program (MDLP) has truly opened my eyes to the value of unconventional leadership, while teaching me useful skills I will be able to carry with me in my future career." 
— Sydney Bayoneto (IR & CCP '25)