LEAD U Institute: The Student Leadership Curriculum Model

LEAD U Institute: The Student Leadership Curriculum Model

Jasmine Smith | 2026

​​Abstract

This doctoral project explores the development and implementation of Lead U, an eight-week leadership and career readiness program designed to equip college students with the skills, courage, and practical experience necessary to successfully transition from higher education into the workforce. Rooted in principles of transformational leadership, experiential learning, and faith-based development, the program emphasizes self-leadership, purpose discovery, and career alignment.

The study addresses the growing gap between academic preparation and workforce readiness among college students, particularly within underserved and faith-based communities. Through a combination of interactive workshops, mentorship, hands-on project-based learning, and a culminating student showcase, participants engage in real-world applications of leadership, entrepreneurship, and content creation for mission-driven initiatives.

Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through participant surveys, reflective assessments, and program outcome evaluations to measure growth in leadership capacity, courage, and career preparedness. Findings indicate that students who participated in Lead U demonstrated increased clarity in career direction, improved communication and leadership skills, and a heightened sense of purpose and personal responsibility.

This project contributes to the field of strategic leadership by offering a scalable and replicable model for integrating leadership development within higher education and community-based programs. It further highlights the importance of faith-integrated approaches to leadership formation, emphasizing holistic development that encompasses personal, professional, and spiritual growth.