What is the AVC Leadership Academy?
The AVC Leadership Academy is a yearlong leadership development program created to bring classified staff, Confidential, Management & Supervisory (CMS) staff, faculty, and student leaders together in a supportive environment with the opportunity to develop a broader foundational understanding of the role and operation of Antelope Valley College.
The program encourages leadership growth for those interested in seeking to ascend into management roles within their constituent groups or in other areas of the college. Participants gain essential core knowledge for leadership and practical tools for improving performance and networking in the workplace. The graduating Leadership Academy class is responsible for assisting in developing the curriculum for the following year and participating in the selection of the next cohort of Leadership Academy participants.
2025-2026 Applications Closed
The components of the Academy include:
- Class sessions are held once a month between August and March (there is no session in January)
- The final session in April revolves around an interactive team project presentation
- A review of institutional dynamics, both local and system-wide
- Recognizing leadership styles and identifying personal strengths and challenges
- Learn how to advocate for and implement change in the service of our diverse students and communities
- Development of strategic planning, communication skills, and building effective teams and a network of mutual support
- Working together in a team to develop unique approaches and creative ideas
- Academy completion recognition
Those selected for the AVC Leadership Academy will participate in a sequence of seminars that will include internal and external speakers, presentations, and interactive learning sessions. The curriculum will be based on the college's mission and how it is currently accomplished. Leadership, communications, and planning strategies will be addressed and discussed within each session.
AVC Mission
"Antelope Valley College, a public institution of higher education, provides a quality, comprehensive education to a diverse population of learners. We are committed to student success, offering value and opportunity, in service to our community."
Who is eligible?
The Academy will include members from each of the AVC constituent groups below:
- Full-time Faculty
- Confidential Management and Supervisory Staff
- Classified Staff
- Student Leaders
Note: Full-time faculty will receive conference attendance credit for Faculty Professional Development (40 hours). Confidential, Management, Supervisory, and Classified staff will be released from work for the session or will need to adjust their workweek schedule during the weeks of the academy sessions.
Students must be registered and enrolled in classes for the summer or fall 2025 semester to be eligible to apply, and must be a current student to participate.
What is the timing and time commitment?
The Academy sessions will be held on a Friday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each participant is expected to be present for every session. The final session in April may be a two-day session on Friday and Saturday.
Sample Academy Session Topics:
- Community Role of the College
- Planning
- Services of the College
- Leadership Styles
- Ethics and Challenges
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Creating Partnerships
- Leading Change
- Advocacy at Work
2025-2026 Leadership Academy Session Dates:
- August 22, 2025
- September 19, 2025
- October 17, 2025
- November 21, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- February 20, 2026
- March 20, 2026
- April 17-18, 2026
See what past participants say about their experience in the Leadership Academy:
"I highly recommend the Academy to anyone ready to show up, speak up, and lead from within. The Leadership Academy has helped grow my confidence, my public speaking and participation skills, and the way I interact with others. It has helped me to think differently about the world around me and has given me the opportunity to meet amazing individuals in leadership roles. I would highly recommend anyone considering this program to apply as it's very rewarding, memorable and will impact your life in a positive way!" – Classified Participant
"Leadership Academy has been a transformative experience for me. It helped me foster a greater sense of community across campus and build meaningful connections with colleagues from Lancaster and Palmdale campus. Engaging with external administrators from other Community Colleges reshaped my vision of higher education and expanded my understanding of leadership beyond my immediate role. As a result, I feel more connected, confident, and engaged in contributing to the broader mission of AVC." – CMS Participant
"The AVC Leadership Academy challenged me to grow as both a collaborator and a visionary. Contributing to my group's project proposal—wellness-focused outdoor spaces for students—helped me refine key leadership skills such as strategic planning, goal-setting, and cross-campus engagement. The experience deepened my confidence in navigating institutional systems and, through the group project, reinforced the connection between wellness and leadership. Our project became more than a proposal—it reflected the kind of leader I’m becoming- intentional, inclusive, and purpose-driven." – Faculty Participant
"The leadership academy offered me great insight into the inner workings of AVC, perspective on leading others, and insight into my style of leadership, showcasing my strengths and areas of improvement. Due to the leadership academy, I have great confidence in knowing I have far more knowledge about AVC as a whole compared to any other concurrent students here on campus, as well as a vast amount of connections I've made by partaking in this wonderful program. To anyone on the fence about joining the leadership academy whether you're a employee of AVC or a student, it is an opportunity worth seizing into becoming a better you." – Student Participant
Jun 20, 2025