Our leadership programs
The Student Leadership Academy consists of three tiers that guide students through their leadership journeys���from discovering their potential to leading with purpose.
Discover your leadership potential
This entry-level tier is designed泭for students who are new to leadership泭and want to build confidence, self-awareness, and essential communication skills. Through interactive workshops, peer connections, and guided reflection, participants explore their values, strengths, and the kind of leader they want to become.泭
Foundations of Leadership is open to all students and is a great first step into campus involvement.
Put your leadership into action
This intermediate tier is泭for students ready to apply their leadership learning in real-world settings. Participants develop collaborative problem-solving skills, deepen their understanding of equity and social responsibility, and work with others to create positive change. Whether through campus initiatives, student organizations, or community partnerships, this tier focuses on leading with impact and integrity.
Applications to Leadership in Practice open in March for the following academic year.
From vision to impact
High-Performance Leadership is the advanced tier of the Student Leadership Academy, designed泭for exceptional student leaders泭who are ready to drive systemic change on campus and beyond. This year-long, cohort-based program combines advanced leadership training with mentorship from senior university and community leaders. Participants engage in intensive workshops grounded in the泭, strategic problem-solving, and reflective leadership practices.
A defining element of this tier is the Capstone Project, where students design and lead a high-impact initiative that addresses a real-world challenge. Through this experience, participants apply their skills in a practical, meaningful way while receiving guidance and feedback from experts in their fields.
泭
Scholarship opportunity
Students selected for High-Performance Leadership are awarded the AV整氈窒���McCall MacBain Leadership Academy Scholarship, which includes a tuition award for the academic year, funding to support their Capstone project, and a summer stipend to further their leadership initiatives.
Graduates of this program泭emerge泭as skilled, thoughtful, and resilient changemakers���equipped to lead with clarity, integrity, and a global perspective.
Scholarships
At the Student Leadership Academy, we believe leadership should be nurtured.泭That���s泭why泭we���re泭proud to offer financial support to students who泭demonstrate泭a commitment to community, collaboration, and creating change.
Thanks to the generous support of the McCall MacBain Foundation,泭we���re泭able to recognize and support outstanding students in the Student Leadership Academy through a competitive scholarship program.
Each year, 40 incoming AV整氈窒 students are awarded a $3,500 Leadership Academy Entrance Scholarship in recognition of their leadership experience and potential.
30 scholarships are awarded based on leadership experience and academic merit.
10 scholarships, generously supported by the McCall MacBain Foundation, focus solely on leadership experience, acknowledging that leadership potential often shows up outside the classroom.
Recipients of the entrance scholarships are also guaranteed a spot in both the Living Learning Community in Leadership residence泭option泭and the Enhanced Foundations of Leadership program.
Apply through AV整氈窒���s泭.
Offered to students accepted into the High-Performance Leadership program, this prestigious scholarship supports up to 25 students each year with a comprehensive funding package valued at up to $17,500 per student (varies by program).
What���s泭included:
Full tuition and mandatory fees (up to $12,500, depending on program)
$4,000 summer leadership stipend to support immersive, project-based work泭
Funding for a capstone project
All program-related costs covered, including leadership retreats, assessments, and enrichment opportunities
This scholarship is designed to give students the freedom to fully engage in their leadership journey���without the financial barriers.
泭
Leadership experiences
In addition to our three-tiered Student Leadership Academy programs, students can enhance their leadership development through a range of high-impact, community-driven experiences.
These opportunities are designed to deepen engagement, broaden perspectives, and bring leadership to life across campus and beyond.
Student leadership opportunities in Truro
There are several opportunities throughout the year on the Agricultural Campus for you to develop your leadership skills, including guest speakers and conferences.泭Please connect with our student success泭and engagement泭advisor,��涊illian Hatch, at gillian.hatch@dal.ca泭for more information.���
Want to learn more?
Current AV整氈窒 students can explore application details, dive into the curriculum, and stay up to date on important deadlines on our myDal site.