About the Program
Leadership Inside Out is a co-curricular leadership development program specifically designed for engineering students who want to strengthen their leadership identity and skillset.
This transformative 4-week program will empower you with the interpersonal and communication skills to become an effective change leader. Through hands on fieldtrips and networking with industry experts, we will explore tools and strategies to recognize and leverage your agency to effect positive change. By participating in this program, you will use your engineering problem-solving skills to evolve your leadership capacity and influence!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Who is Leadership Inside Out For?
Undergraduate and graduate University of Toronto Engineering students are welcome to apply. With limited spots and a high demand, we ask that you please ensure you are committed to attending and engaging in all sessions you apply for. The deadline to apply for the 2026 session is Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Program Details
Once accepted into the program, you must sign a Participation Agreement, Photo Waiver and pick-up your Adventure Pack during designated drop-in sessions. Pick-up dates and location will be emailed to you if your application is accepted to the program.
By attending 3 of the 4 sessions, you are eligible for Co-Curricular Record (CCR) validation. The programming staff will automatically complete this at the end of the program, and you will receive an email verifying that this activity has been added to your CCR.
Please note: for all sessions we will meet on campus (UTSG) and travel to the off-site location as a group via TTC. Cost of travel will be provided.
Skills you will Develop
Session 1: Uncovering Your Leadership - Owning Your Agency & Creativity in Nature
In this foundational session, you will look inward to build awareness of the beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions that motivate you to act. As innovative engineers, you are trained to think creatively when solving intricate problems in the world but how do you apply these exploration principles to your own life? In a serene outdoor space, you will explore your capacity to spark change through connection-oriented creative activities.
Through this fieldtrip, you will;
- Practice creativity as a tool for self-awareness and uncovering your unique leadership style
- Understand how thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency and authenticity influences how you engage in social change
- Explore your identity as an “engineer” in relation to your other interests, values and skills
Date: Friday, July 10
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Travel as a group to Downsview Park, Toronto
Lunch: Bagged lunch provided.
Session 2: Exploring Sites of Change - Practicing Compelling Communication for Initiating Change
In this immersive field trip, you will engage with a community site focused on social change (community partner and location to be confirmed and shared in May). Building on your growing self-awareness, this session will help you identify your interest and motivation to serve and initiate change as an engineer while learning from community leaders and practitioners working in dynamic, evolving environments. You will learn how to engage diverse audiences with respect and communicate your ideas clearly and confidently through public speaking. Grounded in an asset-based approach to community development, this experience emphasizes recognizing and building on the strengths, knowledge, and lived experiences of communities while developing the skills needed to build meaningful, trust-based relationships and contribute to positive change.
Through this fieldtrip, you will;
- Consider equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all social change initiatives
- Practice public speaking skills to confidently and clearly share your ideas with diverse audiences
- Explore asset-based approaches to community development and innovation
- Understand the attitudes and behaviours required to build rapport and meaningful relationships
Date: Friday, July 17
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Travel as a group to site of social change in Toronto
Lunch: Lunch provided
Session 3: Understanding Collective Action - Experience the Complexities of Teamwork through Dragon Boating
In this exhilarating event, you will experience the power of effective teamwork for a common purpose. Leadership is not an individual sport – you will need to rely on your team’s commitment and strength to propel social change. As an engineering leader, you are constantly working on teams. You will apply these subtle teamwork skills to the high intensity context of dragon boating. Here you will starkly see and feel the critical role communication plays in driving effort and influence.
Through this fieldtrip, you will;
- Collaborate with others to transcend individual goals, interests and behaviors for the collective need
- Exemplify communication strategies that encourage, guide and elicit the strengths of others
- Reflect on how you may excel or hinder team dynamics outside of this experience
Date: Friday, July 24
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Travel as a group to Toronto Waterfront, Sunnyside Paddling Club
Lunch: Lunch provided
Session 4: From Experience to Impact: Expanding Your Leadership Skills & Confidence
In this cumulative event, you will reflect on your growth and build confidence in your identity as an emerging engineering leader. Through fun guided activities in various outdoor campus spaces designed for reflection and connection, you will make meaning of your experiences, celebrate your development, and explore what’s next in your leadership journey. Together, we will ask “now what?”- considering how you will continue to grow your skills, apply your learning, and build your capacity and confidence as a leader in engineering and beyond.
Through this fieldtrip, you will;
- Recognize and celebrate your growth, achievements, and contributions across both the program and your broader engineering experience
- Reflect on your experiences to understand your leadership strengths and learning
- Identify next steps for your engineering and leadership journey
Date: Friday, July 31
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Various Sites on University of Toronto St. George Campus
Lunch: Lunch provided
APPLICATION DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
Here's What Past Students Have Said
“Learning outside of the classroom with real life scenarios to teach leadership in a new and exciting way.”
“The program helped me understand that I am capable of making changes to communities and it all starts with a desire to make those changes.”
“The program showcased and improved my ability to connect with people with different backgrounds and ages to discuss and debate on certain topics. I believe this skill is crucial for an engineering leader since this role requires effective communication towards a wide range of people.”
Program Contacts
Jennifer Galley, Experiential Learning Specialist | jennifer.galley@utoronto.ca
Paula Greenwood, Leadership Education Specialist | paula.greenwood@utoronto.ca