Students take part in a team-building activity during the 2025 LeaderShape program. Photo by Dan Loh.
It’s not enough to want to make a difference. You also need the personal insight, confidence, connections and skills to get the job done. That's the beauty of the LeaderShape program, a retreat-like experience that brings like-minded students together to learn how to lead and collaborate in ways that align with their values.
"It was nothing short of amazing," says Celine Phan '27 (psychology, quantitative economics). "It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways possible and helped me grow."
Developed by the nonprofit organization of the same name, LeaderShape is made available to Dickinson through support from Steve Smith '92. All Dickinson students are encouraged to apply, and 20 students took part in this year’s program, held during in Harrisburg.
Through team-building activities and small-group discussions, they focused on:
"It was more self-reflection-based than I expected," says Zoey Bochicchio '28, who appreciated this more individualized approach to leadership training, "and it made a big impact on how I plan to carry myself moving forward."
Benjamin Lopez ’28 valued the opportunity to get to know fellow students who are also interested in branching out and making their marks. “I especially liked the small-group conversations. It was nice to develop some close relationships with people who are so supportive and kind,” he says.
Fresh from the program, Annalee Brant ’28 (German, computer science) is excited to put what she's learned into action: “It's really empowering to learn about yourself and how you, as an individual, can start working with others to make the world a better place.”
Published January 21, 2025