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The Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP) is a nationally recognized, 4-tiered, co-curricular leadership development program that serves all students in finding their identity and purpose as leaders. Framed by The Social Change Model of Leadership, and grounded in practice, BHLP offers participants the opportunity to increase their own self-awareness and to build their resumes through knowledge and practical application of skills through projects and experiences. Students who progress through Tier 3 will earn academic credit that can fulfill general education requirements and certain degree requirements.

BHLP also offers a variety of other programs such as leadership training for student organizations and athletic teams, the LEAP first-year leadership experience, alternative break service trips, the campus, and community-wide Change Makers Leadership Conference, and the University of Delaware TEDx event.

A description of the BHLP Tiers, along with links to examples of final presentations that students have created for each Tier is below:

BHLP, Tier 1, the Emerging Leader, focuses on increasing self -awareness as the foundation of establishing an identity as a leader. Students engage in self-assessments to help identify their guiding values, their leadership style, and other aspects of identity. Workshops also help students build basic competencies in standard leadership practices that are guided by Kouzes and Posner’s Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Here are some examples of final presentations from Tier 1 students:

BHLP Tier 1 Posters Example - Tamirah Jackson - Luke Mason - Ishika Govil

BHLP, Tier 2, the Engaged Leader, is a year-long focus on effective team leadership. Students work in teams to complete an important project for a local organization or small business. The curriculum covered in weekly meetings focuses on the importance of common purpose, collaboration, and controversy with civility. Various resources, speakers, and activities reinforce lessons connected to this focus. Here is an example of a final presentation:

BHLP Tier 2 Presentation - Native Nourishment

BHLP Tier 3, the BHLP Community Fellows, is an academic class focusing on the social sector, social entrepreneurship, and design thinking. Students do an in-depth study of a local non-profit, using it as a learning lab and conducting a detailed SWOT analysis of the organization. Based on opportunities discovered, students design an innovative project to help the non-profit further its mission. In the spring semester, students implement the project. Here is an example of a final presentation.

Tier 3 Presentation - Watkins Farm

BHLP Tier 4, the Established Leader, is a capstone experience where students reflect on the entirety of their leadership experiences from their 4 years at the University. This prepares students to critically articulate their abilities in interviews for the next phase of their life. The program also has an emphasis on career readiness and life skills.

E-portfolio example 1: Gillian Williams

E-Portfolio example 2: Loren Gross

Students interested in participating in Tier 1 of BHLP are able to register now with a priority deadline of September 19, 2021. We invite you to explore the BHLP website at www.udel.edu/bhlp. Registration for Tier 1 can be found at sites.udel.edu/usc/bhlp-tiers. For additional information, please contact bluehenleadership@udel.edu.