What's LeaderShape?
The LeaderShape Institute is a FREE four-day experience that offers you a chance to get out of your comfort zone, change the way you look at the world and become a leader.
At the LeaderShape Institute, you’ll learn about:
- Working in high-performance teams
- Dealing with change and chaos
- Decision-making in ethical dilemmas
- Understanding your personal values and the values of others
The Details
How Much Does it Cost?
Believe it or not, it’s absolutely free! All full-time Boise State undergraduate and graduate students who will be returning to campus in Fall 2025 can apply. While the LeaderShape Institute is free to all students, we understand that missing work may present a financial hardship. There are a limited amount of need-based scholarships available.
Where and When
- May 13 – 16, 2025 at the YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir in Cascade, Idaho.
- Accommodations include cabins (easy access to bathrooms and showers) with comfortable bunk beds, in a serene outdoor setting.
- For students living on campus, extended housing and/or storage options may be available. Be sure to indicate this on your application.
What to Bring
- Transportation, food, and supplies will be provided.
- If you have a food allergy, restrictive diet, or need other accommodations, please mention it on your application. The LeaderShape Institute staff will be happy to work with you and the camp staff to plan proper meals and support your needs.
- Find out what to pack by viewing The LeaderShape Institute Packing Guidelines.
Schedule Overview
What are you signing up for? You’ll have the opportunity to engage in interactive activities and reflective exercises in order to explore your personal values, strategies for navigating conflict, and creating a vision for the future. Facilities include a cozy lodge, fire pit area, and time in the beautiful Idaho mountains.
An overview of the 2025 schedule is listed below. We will depart campus via provided transportation on Tuesday, May 13th about 8 a.m. and return to campus on Friday, May 16th about 6 p.m. Each day of the LeaderShape Institute is defined by a theme:
- Tuesday, May 13: Living & leading with integrity
- Wednesday, May 14: Challenging what is, looking to what could be
- Thursday, May 15: The value of one, the power of all
- Friday, May 16: Living in possibility
Ready to Apply?
Applications are now closed. Let us know that you are interested in applying to this program in the future and we will keep you updated.
After Applying
Applicants will be notified about their placement into the LeaderShape Institute by April 18th. Students are selected based on their answers to the questions on the application. A team of staff members reviews the applications, which do not include any names, and then assembles a group of about 60 participants. All other applicants are placed on a waiting list and contacted as needed.
Questions? Contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at (208) 426-1223 or getinvolved@boisestate.edu.
Why Should I Attend?
If you believe you have the potential to positively change the world and you believe in the importance of leading with integrity, then The LeaderShape Institute is for you. Challenge yourself and change everything!
Over 500 Boise State students have participated in the LeaderShape Institute since the program’s creation, and many of them have shared how impactful the program was for their personal growth. Students also shared that they felt more energized by their organizations, motivated to pursue new projects, and identified some takeaway skills to navigate conflict, challenges, and problem solving.
Student Testimonials
Hear how LeaderShape impacted some of your fellow Boise State students:
- “Who I am is how I lead. I am no longer interested in separating “personal from professional”; I want to use my personal qualities to be more authentic in my leadership roles from this point forward.”
- “My “ah-hah” moment was learning that our values & integrity can be heavily influenced by our communities & society.”
- “I think the LeaderShape facilitators have a great way of making connections with students and getting them to open up and feel accepted.”
- “I learned different aspects of what makes a leader. My previous definition became a lot more broad, and I can now visualize all the different strengths and qualities that can make someone a leader.”
- “I realized that my story and history matters and could influence others.”