Program Components

The Caldwell Fellows program is a curriculum of both structured and self-designed experiences. Structured experiences - like the sophomore seminar, program-wide dinner seminars and class retreats - provide Fellows with a common foundation of learning and community along with structured mentoring that guides them in their selection of personalized development experiences.

Monthly Dinner Seminars & Annual Class Retreats

Recognizing the significance of meaningful conversations, our program fosters connection among all classes of Fellows through monthly meals centered around an annual theme. These gatherings encourage thoughtful dialogue, often led by special guests. To deepen their commitment, Fellows participate in annual class retreats, which align with the ongoing leadership curriculum. These retreats frequently feature alumni who share their reflections and experiences, enriching the learning journey for current Fellows.

Sophomore Seminar

As sophomores, Caldwell Fellows partake in a semester-long course designed to lay the base layer of understanding of service-leadership, community engagement and reflection. It is during this seminar that a group of highly motivated individuals become a class and community of proactive problem solvers and creative thinkers.

Service-Learning Teams

Each sophomore is assigned a service learning team led by an upperclass Fellow. Every team is unique in its demands and have varied from an eco station in need of a new fence to an after school program in need of tutors. At the end of the semester, all teams are expected to present to their peers their reflections on the project.

Professional Coaching

A team of volunteer professional coaches provide one-on-one support and challenge to Caldwell Fellows during the semester of their Sophomore Seminar. Our trained coaching team includes Caldwell program alumni along and a wide network of executive coaches. The self-understanding supported by Caldwell Fellows coaches is foundational for students’ leadership development.

Center for Creative Leadership

As a capstone of the Caldwell Fellows program, upperclass students pursue three-days of leadership training at the International headquarters of the Center For Creative Leadership, in Greensboro, NC. The ‘CCL’ experience dates back more than 40 years, and inspiring generations of Caldwell Fellows alumni.

Leadership Teams

At the heart of the Caldwell Fellows Program lies a commitment to leadership development through hands-on experience. Student leadership teams are essential to our program’s design, providing a unique platform for collaboration and growth. Each team works closely with Caldwell staff and project stakeholders, ensuring a well-rounded approach to leadership practice.