UMass Boston

Center Programs

For over two decades, the Center for Collaborative Leadership has actively developed future leaders of all backgrounds through the following programs.

Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

In today’s competitive landscape, exceptional leadership is your advantage. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is more than leadership training—it’s a strategic investment in your ability to lead, innovate, and drive change. Since 2002, we’ve empowered over 930 professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors with the skills to lead inclusively and effectively.

This 9-month hybrid program blends virtual and in-person learning, combining advanced leadership diagnostics, AI-powered development tools, 1:1 coaching, and expert mentorship to accelerate growth. Participants engage in interactive workshops, high-impact networking, team projects, and fireside chats with industry leaders—all designed to sharpen leadership capabilities and expand professional influence.

Flexible Pricing for Organizations

To ensure accessibility, ELP offers a sliding scale for nonprofit and government participants:

  • Corporate / For-Profit: $7,500 per fellow ($7,000 each for 2+)
  • Nonprofit / Government ($100M+): $7,500 per fellow ($7,000 each for 2+)
  • Nonprofit / Government ($50M–$100M): $5,500 per fellow
  • Nonprofit / Government ($10M–$50M): $4,500 per fellow
  • Nonprofit / Government (<$10M): $3,500 per fellow

Nomination & Application Process

The 2026–2027 nomination process is now open. Candidates must be nominated by a senior leader and submit a resume, leadership essay, brief bio, and high-resolution photo. Nominations are due by July 31, 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interested? Email Leaders@umb.edu to register for an upcoming info session.

United States Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program

The Coast Guard Academy Scholars Program supports students with strong potential as they prepare for the academic, military, and physical demands of the United States Coast Guard Academy.
Through this one-year preparation program, Scholars build the foundation needed for success as future Academy cadets. The program begins with a three-week orientation at the Coast Guard Academy, followed by a year of focused preparation at one of the Academy’s partner institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Boston.
At UMass Boston, the program currently serves 10 Scholars. The Center for Collaborative Leadership serves as the program’s campus home, in partnership with the College of Science and Mathematics, the Division of Marine Operations, the Student Veterans Center, and many other campus offices.
Most Scholars who successfully complete the program receive, and are expected to accept, a full appointment to the Coast Guard Academy as part of the next entering class.

Custom Programs

The Center for Collaborative Leadership develops customized leadership development programs designed to meet the needs of organizations and teams. Programs can be tailored to support a range of goals, including strengthening collaboration, building trust, developing leadership capacity, supporting team effectiveness, and creating space for open dialogue across an organization.
Recent and current clients include the Boston Public Library, Kraft Group, Boston Public Schools, UMass Boston, and BNY Mellon.
For more information about custom leadership development opportunities, please contact Tanya Barnett at Tanya.Barnett@umb.edu.