Find Your Leadership Path
Whether you're just beginning your leadership journey or ready to launch a community initiative, Westside Leadership Institute offers a program designed to help you grow, connect, and create impact.
FUndamentals
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Fundamentals is a 16-week leadership experience that helps community members discover their strengths, develop practical leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and create positive change in their neighborhoods.
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Leadership principles
Community engagement
Asset-based community development
Communication skills
Local government and civic participation
Project planning
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Length: 16 Weeks
Schedule: Offered twice each year during the Fall (August–December) and Spring (January–May) semesters
Language: English & Spanish
Format: In-Person
Continuing Education: Participants receive 3 Continuing Education Credits through our partnership with the University of Utah upon successful completion of the program.*
Enrollment Fee: $100
Ideal For: Individuals who want to become more involved in their communities, strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and create positive change where they live, work, and play.
* Westside Leadership Institute welcomes participants from all backgrounds and educational levels. You do not need to be a college student to participate. Our programs are open to community members who are interested in developing their leadership abilities and making a positive impact in their communities.
Workshops
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Monthly workshops designed to help community leaders strengthen their abilities, expand their networks, and access tools and resources that support community action.
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Grant writing
Public speaking
Community organizing
Advocacy
Nonprofit leadership
Resource navigation
Civic engagement
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Current and former WLI participants, community leaders, and residents interested in ongoing professional and leadership development.
Startups
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Startups is an advanced leadership and venture development program designed for individuals who are ready to move beyond ideas and create meaningful solutions in their communities. Through hands-on workshops, coaching, mentorship, and peer collaboration, participants develop the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to launch and sustain a nonprofit, business, social enterprise, or community initiative.
Participants explore community needs, validate ideas, develop business and sustainability models, build governance and operational systems, identify funding strategies, strengthen their marketing and storytelling skills, and prepare to launch their venture.
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Social Entrepreneurship & Community Innovation
Community Needs Assessment & Validation
Business & Nonprofit Models
Strategic Planning & SWOT Analysis
Governance & Organizational Development
Budgeting & Financial Planning
Funding & Revenue Strategies
Operations & Implementation Planning
Marketing & Storytelling
Pitch Development & Launch Preparation
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Length: Two semesters (Fall–Spring)
Schedule: Begins each August and concludes in May
Language: English
Format: In-Person
Support Includes: Workshops, coaching, guest speakers, founder panels, peer collaboration, and venture development support
Enrollment Fee: $100
Ideal For: WLI graduates, emerging entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, community leaders, and changemakers who have an idea they want to develop into a sustainable project, organization, business, or community initiative.
Outcome
By the end of the program, participants will complete a venture development plan, establish a clear implementation strategy, and deliver a final pitch to community leaders, partners, and potential supporters.
Ideas That Have Become Reality
Founded by WLI alumni, Jacky's Recovery Support Services has grown into a statewide organization providing culturally responsive mental health and recovery support to Latino communities across Utah.
Founded by WLI alumni, Comunidad Materna en Utah has become a leading resource for Hispanic families, expanding access to prenatal education, doula services, and culturally responsive maternal health support throughout Utah.
Founded by WLI alumni, Club Ability has become a statewide leader in technology education, empowering youth, families, and individuals with disabilities through bilingual STEM programs, digital skills training, and pathways to future careers in technology.
Founded by WLI alumni, PreventHer has become a trusted voice in women's health advocacy, empowering refugee and immigrant communities through breast cancer education, preventive health awareness, and connections to critical screening and support services.
“Westside Leadership Institute didn't just teach me how to lead—it helped me discover the leader I already was.”
— WLI AlumniReady to Lead?
Whether you're beginning your leadership journey or launching a community initiative, Westside Leadership Institute can help you take the next step.