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Emerging Eagles Leadership Program Creating AU’s Next Generation of Changemakers!

Leadership, Service, Impact: Emerging Eagles, CLCEWhat Are Emerging Eagles?

The Emerging Eagles Leadership Program at American University (AU) is designed to support students in their transition to university life while offering comprehensive mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities. The program fosters a diverse and inclusive community of emerging leaders committed to making a positive impact on campus and beyond.

If you would like to learn more about Emerging Eagles or have any questions about the program, you can reach out to our team at EmergingEagles@american.edu.

Why Join Emerging Eagles?

  • Become a Changemaker: At the end of the program participants should have a toolkit of leadership experiences and resources that will set you apart.
  • Leadership Development: Gain hands-on leadership experience that can be applied on campus, in the community, and beyond.
  • Recognition & Growth: Build a leadership portfolio that showcases your growth and accomplishments throughout the year.
  • Service & Impact: Make tangible contributions through service projects that address local and global issues.
  • Networking & Mentorship: Connect with AU alumni, faculty, and student leaders.
  • Skill & Confidence Growth: Build leadership skills and confidence for future roles.
  • Community Impact: Lead service projects that make a real difference.
  • Inclusive Leadership: Develop inclusive leadership skills for diverse settings.
  • Career Readiness: Prepare for leadership opportunities on campus and beyond.
  • Retreat: Begin with team building and leadership development.
  • Service & Impact Saturdays: Alternate between community service and leadership workshops.
  • Cohort Meetings: Regularly connect with peers to collaborate and share progress.
  • Leadership Seminars: Gain skills in leadership, diversity, and personal growth.
  • Leadership Project: Create and lead a project with potential for Eagle Endowment funding.
  • Recognition: Participate in the Pinning Ceremony and graduate program as a Sophomore Changemaker.
  • Summer: Recruitment, interviews, and outreach to prospective participants.
  • Fall Semester: Onboarding, leadership retreats, cohort meetings, and leadership mapping.
  • Spring Semester: Leadership projects, immersive experiences, Service Saturdays, and Impact Saturdays leading up to the Leadership Summit and Emerging Eagles Graduation.


Eligibility & Requirements

To be part of the Emerging Eagles Leadership Program, students must:

  • Be a first-year or transfer student at American University.
  • Commit to attending Service Saturdays, Impact Saturdays, and regular cohort meetings.
  • Demonstrate an interest in leadership development and community engagement.
  • Actively participate in leadership retreats, seminars, and leadership/service projects.
  • Complete the program’s milestones as outlined in the Emerging Eagles Passport and Leadership Portfolio.
Student describing a program to another student while gesturing with her hands.

Become a Mentor

Interested in fostering the next generation of leaders? Join the Emerging Eagles team as a mentor! Apply by clicking the link below.

Apply Here

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Leadership Programming

Interested in our other leadership programming? Click the link below to learn more about what our office has to offer.

Learn more