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Leadership Development Programs

MC LEADS and EIFFEL
MC LEADS Students

MC LEADS

Montgomery College Learn, Empower, Act, Discover and Serve is a leadership development program designed especially for Montgomery College students on our campuses. This 10 week leadership program utilizes the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, which was created specifically for college students who seek to lead in a more socially responsible way and who want to learn to work effectively with others to create social change over their lifetime (Higher Education Research Institute [HERI], 1996).

Goals of the Social Change Model

  1. To enhance student learning and development and to increase each participants’ knowledge of self and leadership competence
    • Self-knowledge:  understanding talents, values, and interests
    • Leadership capacity: capacity to mobilize yourself and others to serve and work collaboratively
  2. To facilitate positive social change at Montgomery College and in the community
  3. Undertake actions that will help the college/community function more effectively and humanely

The Seven Critical Values of the Social Change Model of Leadership

Awareness of the beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions that motivate one to take action. This is the key to being able to develop consciousness of others.
Thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity, and honesty towards others; actions are consistent with most deeply-held beliefs and convictions; interdependent with Consciousness of Self.
The psychic energy that motivates the individual to serve and that drives the collective effort; implies passion, intensity, and duration, and is directed toward both the group activity as well as its intended outcomes; requires knowledge of self.
To work with others in a common effort; constitutes the cornerstone value of the group leadership effort because it empowers self and others through trust; leadership as a group process; encourages group to transcend individual goals, interests and behaviors; vital that group members explore differences in individual values, ideas, affiliations, visions and identities.
To work with shared aims and values; facilitates the group’s ability to engage in collective analysis of issues at hand and the task to be undertaken; best achieved when all members of the group share in the vision and participate actively in articulating the purpose and goals of the activity.
Recognizes two fundamental realities of any creative group effort: that differences in viewpoint are inevitable, and that such differences must be aired openly, but with civility.  Civility implies respect for others, a willingness to hear each other’s views, and the exercise of restraint in criticizing the views and actions of others.  Requires trust amongst the group members; conflicts need to be resolved but also integrated into the common purpose.
The process whereby an individual and the collaborative group become responsibly connected to the community and the society through the leadership development activity.  To be a good citizen is to work for positive change on the behalf of others and the community. The practice of good citizenship should and needs to happen at every level of the model.
The ability to adapt to environments and situations that are constantly evolving, while maintaining the core functions of the group. Change is the value “hub” which gives meaning to the 7 C’s and is the ultimate goal of the creative process of leadership – to make a better world and a better society for self and others.
  • PARTICIPATE in active and lively workshops with skilled and knowledgeable facilitators
  • LEARN leadership skills that will continue to serve you throughout your academic, personal and professional life
  • EXPLORE your strengths and abilities and how to use them
  • BUILD relationships with academic and community leaders
  • GROW as active participants in our community 

To be eligible to participate you must: 

  • Be a current Montgomery College student during the semester you are applying for the program
  • Be enrolled for a minimum of 1 credit hour
  • Commit to attending all sessions with designated cohort

We are now taking applications for our Fall 2025 cohort.  

  • Germantown: Mondays 2–4 p.m.  
    Application closes Friday, September 19
    Submit Applicationnew window
  • Rockville: Wednesday, 3–5 p.m.  
    Application closes Wednesday, September 17
    Submit Applicationnew window
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring:  Mondays 2–4 p.m.
    Application closes Friday, September 19
    Submit Applicationnew window

Emotional Intelligence for Fostering Effective Living (EIFFEL)

Discover your strengths. Build resilience. Lead with emotional intelligence.

EIFFEL is a 7-week, in-person leadership development experience focused on emotional intelligence (EI)—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in yourself and others. Through discussion, applied activities, and personal reflection, you'll gain valuable skills to help you thrive in college, work, and life.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills for personal and professional success. It helps you:

  • Communicate clearly and confidently
  • Manage stress and stay focused under pressure
  • Strengthen relationships and resolve conflict
  • Make thoughtful, values-based decisions
  • Lead with empathy and build trust

Whether you're preparing for your next class presentation or your future career, emotional intelligence gives you the tools to lead yourself—and others—more effectively.

What You'll Learn

Over the course of the program, students will explore and apply five key dimensions of emotional intelligence:

  • Self-Awareness – Understand your emotions and how they influence your behavior.
  • Self-Management – Practice staying calm, flexible, and focused under pressure.
  • Motivation – Strengthen your drive to succeed through meaningful goals.
  • Social Awareness – Develop empathy and understand the impact of your actions on others.
  • Relationship Management – Build strong connections, navigate conflict, and lead with trust.

Each week includes an “EI Applied” activity to help you practice what you’ve learned in real life.

  • Length: 7 weeks
  • Time Commitment: 1 session per week (2 hours)
  • Location: In-person (campus-based)
  • Eligibility: Open to all current MC students
  • Application: Required—space is limited

Students who complete the program requirements will earn the EIFFEL digital badge. To qualify, participants must:

  • Attend at least 5 out of 5 core sessions
  • Complete a final reflection on their learning and growth

This badge can be added to your résumé, LinkedIn profile, or career portfolio to showcase your emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

Interested in joining the next EIFFEL cohort?
Submit the EIFFEL Interest Formnew window to express your interest and we’ll follow up with more details on how to apply!
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