Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership

The NextGen Leadership Academy (NGLA) is a cohort-based program designed to help young leaders develop and enhance their essential leadership skills that will set them apart and empower them to make meaningful impact on organizations and within their communities.

Through engaging workshops, community leader partnerships, and hands-on projects, students will learn the tools and insights needed to inspire and guide others effectively. In addition to attending these leadership-focused events, the cohort plans and executes a community service project in the Spring semester to benefit a local nonprofit of the cohort’s choosing. The program culminates with a graduation acknowledging the students’ efforts and achievements.

While developing their own leadership skills, students in the program will also be able to connect with other student leaders from diverse backgrounds and different fields. Students will also network with leaders and professionals within the Tampa Bay community.

Topics for leaders include: 

• Emotional Intelligence for leaders
• Communication skills
• Balancing work, leadership, and community obligations
• Navigating interpersonal relationships
• Overcoming failure
• Critical thinking for leaders

Program Requirements

Students who wish to join the NextGen Leadership Academy must be enrolled on the USF St. Petersburg campus

Accepted Student Commitment

• Attend a minimum of six of the eight leadership-focused sessions throughout the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. (See application for dates.)
• Attend or contribute to the cohort-led service project on a date selected by the cohort.
• A $50 application fee is required to cover food expenses and participation in the program orientation at the USF Ropes Course on October 9.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is September 18.