What is the AVC Leadership Academy?
The AVC Leadership Academy is a yearlong leadership development program that brings together classified staff, Confidential, Management & Supervisory (CMS) staff, faculty, and student leaders in a collaborative and supportive learning environment. The program is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of Antelope Valley College’s mission, structure, and day-to-day operations while building a shared sense of institutional purpose.
Through intentional leadership development experiences, participants explore pathways for professional growth and advancement within their current roles and across the college. The Academy focuses on strengthening leadership capacity by providing practical tools, reflective learning opportunities, and strategies that enhance communication, collaboration, and effectiveness in the workplace.
A distinctive feature of the program is the active role of the graduating cohort, who contribute to shaping the curriculum for the following year and participate in the selection of the next Leadership Academy cohort.
2026-2027 Application
APPLY NOW THROUGH JUNE 9, 2026
The components of the Academy include:
- Monthly class sessions held once a month from August through March
- Additional (optional) Zoom sessions are available in January to March for dedicated team project focus time
- The final session in April revolves around an interactive team project presentation (may be a two-day session)
- Exploration of institutional dynamics at both the local and statewide system levels
- Identification of leadership styles, strengths, and growth areas
- Strategies for advocating for and implementing change in support of diverse students and communities
- Development of strategic planning, communication skills, effective team building, and building a network of mutual support
- Opportunities to collaborate in teams to develop innovative approaches and creative solutions
- Academy completion recognition
Participants engage in seminars featuring internal and external speakers, presentations, and interactive learning activities. The curriculum is grounded in the college’s mission and emphasizes leadership, communication, and planning strategies applicable to real-world college operations.
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."
Sample Academy Session Topics
- Community Role of the College
- Planning and Institutional Processes
- College Services and Operations
- Leadership Styles
- Ethics and Leadership Challenges
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Building Partnerships
- Leading Change
- Advocacy in the Workplace
Who is eligible?
The Academy participants from each of the following AVC constituent groups:
- Faculty
- Confidential Management & Supervisory Staff
- Classified Staff
- Student Leaders
Eligibility Notes:
- Full-time faculty receive conference attendance credit for Faculty Professional Development (40 hours).
- Confidential, Management, Supervisory, and Classified staff will be released from work for sessions or will need to adjust their work schedules during Academy meeting weeks.
- Students must be registered and enrolled in classes for the summer or fall 2026 semester to be eligible to apply and must remain enrolled during participation.
Time Commitment
Sessions are held one Friday per month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendance at all session is expected. The final session in April may extend over two days (Friday and Saturday) and includes an interactive team presentation experience.
Attendance at all sessions is required. Before applying, please review the schedule carefully to ensure full availability.
2025-2026 Leadership Academy Session Dates:
- August 21, 2026
- September 18, 2026
- October 16, 2026
- November 20, 2026
- December 12, 2026
- January 15, 2027 (Intercession)
- February 26, 2027
- March 19, 2027
- April 16-17, 2027
APPLY NOW THROUGH JUNE 9, 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
June 20, 2025