UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Enrollment for the Connected Leaders Academy (CLA) is now open for fall semester cohorts, with a deadline of Monday, July 10, to apply.
In October 2022, Penn State Human Resources launched Leadership Foundations, a multi-track leadership development framework with programming for individuals in all stages of their leadership and management career development. The program tracks are Leadership Essentials, Emerging Leaders, Management Concepts, and Leadership Excellence.
As part of the Leadership Foundations framework, during the last year Penn State Human Resources partnered with McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, to bring its Connected Leaders Academy (CLA), to Penn State employees. To date, 83 individuals have either completed or are currently participating in this program. Enrollment is now open for the CLA cohorts that begin this September and October.
CLA is intended to help advance racial equity and inclusion by investing in the development of future leaders within an organization by increasing the number of employees from underrepresented populations in leadership positions, improving talent pipelines and unlocking the full potential of existing employees. Participation in CLA programs will equip employees with the skills, peer networks, and sponsorship needed to achieve their professional aspirations for growth.
CLA has three leadership academies in its portfolio: Leadership Essentials (different from the University program mentioned above) is a three-month program designed for early career professionals with less than seven years of work experience; a four-month Management Accelerator program geared toward mid-level and senior managers; and a three-month Executive Leadership program.
Participants in these programs attend virtual, weekly sessions and, following completion of the program, alumni have access to ongoing learning and networking opportunities.
Anyone interested in participating in one of the CLA programs should submit the expression of interest form no later than Monday, July 10. This form will then be routed to the applicant’s manager for review and approval. Supervisor support is essential to the participant’s success in the program to ensure they are given the capacity to attend sessions, complete activities and the opportunity to share and apply the learning. There is no cost associated with participating in the program.
Questions about McKinsey & Company’s CLA programs should be directed to Nalini Krishnankutty, Penn State Human Resources diversity, inclusion and belonging program manager, at hr-deib@psu.edu.