LeadMN Certificate Program

A free virtual program designed to help students build professional skills and support their personal and academic journeys through a series of online tracks that include workshops, discussions, and interactive assignments.

Find information about our 5 tracks by clicking the links below, and begin your learning journey! 

Leadership Professional Skills Advocacy & Policy Organizing Writing & Editing

Program Details

  • Open to all two-year community and technical college students in the Minnesota State system. 
  • A flexible, remote learning experience to ensure accessibility for everyone.
  • Program opens September 18th, 2025 and runs through May 8th, 2026
  • 5 total track options, 3 launching in fall 2025, 2 launching in spring 2026. 

Why Offer this Program?

Not all students are able to attend LeadMN events in person due to financial constraints, a lack of transportation, an overscheduled calendar or the timing of our events not aligning with their schedule, and several other barriers that come with being a student. 

The Certificate Program allows students to access LeadMN’s educational and leadership-building content on a time frame that works for their schedule and area(s) of interest. Students are able to select from 5 different certificates, encompassing a total of 28 workshop options.

Certificate Tracks

Leadership Essentials

Lead with confidence! Learn about different leadership styles, build effective teams, and strengthen your confidence as a leader. You will learn core principles of communication, time management, goal setting, and self-advocacy.
Learn more or begin the track here. 

Core Track Components
  1. Identify how to be a leader in various situations 
  2. Navigate challenges and conflicts within team settings 
  3. Confident and clear communication tactics
  4. Empowerment through mentorship and collaboration
Requirements to Receive Certificate
  1. Complete The Foundations of Student Leadership and Finding Your Leadership Style workshops
  2. Complete 2 additional workshops
  3. Complete this track’s “Final Assignment”
Workshops offered in this Track
Foundations of Leadership
Finding your Leadership Style
Creating Cultures of Belonging
Find Your Voice in Public Speaking
Critical Thinking & Conflict Resolution
Building Meaningful Connections through Mentorship
Setting a Larger Table: Radical Inclusion in Leadership
Learn More

Professional Skill Development

Prepare for life beyond college! This track aims to build essential personal and professional competencies, including stress management, interpersonal communication, advocating for yourself in the workplace, resume writing, and more. Begin to develop transferable skills that enhance career readiness and personal growth.
Learn more or begin this track here. 

Core Track Components

1. Navigate professional environments

2. Effectively communicate across various roles and settings

3. Self-advocacy in workplace settings

4. Strategically planning for success

Requirements to Receive Certificate

1. Complete a total of four workshops within this track

2. Complete this track’s “Final Assignment”

Workshops offered in this track
Crafting a Confident Resume
The Art of the Interview
Writing for the Workplace
Essentials of Project Management and Organization
Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace
Stress Management and Burnout Prevention
Interpersonal Communication: Build Strong Workplace Relationships
Learn More

Advocacy & Public Policy (additional content added in Spring 2026)

Become a confident advocate for policy change! Through four progressive workshops, you will learn how to navigate legislative processes, conduct effective meetings with decision-makers, and use storytelling to advance policy goals. This is a two-part certificate track, with additional content to be added in the 2026 spring semester. 
Learn more or begin this track here.

Core Track Components

1. Utilize your voice and experience to drive change

2. Gain a deeper understanding of government structures and power dynamics

3. Recognize the power of storytelling to mobilize support

4. Build strong and effective coalitions

5. Design foundations for policy grounded in lived experience and research

Requirements to Receive Certificate

1. Complete the four workshops offered in this track

2. Complete this track’s “Final Assignment”

Workshops offered in this track
Advocacy 101
Advocacy 201
Advocacy 301 (spring)
Advocacy 401 (spring)
Learn More

Coming Spring 2026

Campus & Community Organizing

Learn how to mobilize your peers and create impactful campaigns that address issues on your campus and in your community! Workshops in this track cover the roles of an organizer, event planning, volunteer recruitment, and strategies for building coalitions to drive collective action.  Look for more information and launch date in Spring 2026. 

Core Track Components

1. Develop Organizing skills and peer mobilization tactics

2. Understand the process of coalition-building and building collective power

3. Recognize and overcome organizing obstacles

4. Learn issue analysis and how to promote your cause

Requirements to Receive Certificate

1. Complete both foundations of organizing courses 

2. Complete two additional workshops from the list 

3. Complete this track’s “Final Assignment”

Workshops offered in this track
Foundations of Organizing on Your Campus: Learn Your Role
Foundations of Organizing on Your Campus: Plan into Action
Planning an Impactful Event
Developing your Pitch
Creating Meaningful Partnerships
Overcoming the Barriers to Change
Engaging Your Constituents Through Survey and Evaluation

Writing & Editing

Enhance your writing and communication skills! From grammar and editing to workplace writing, storytelling, and digital content creation, in this track, you’ll build confidence and gain practical tools to express yourself clearly and effectively. Look for  more information and launch date in Spring 2026. 

Core Track Components

1. Confidence in writing and editing skills across contexts

2. Practical tools and strategies for writing in the workplace

3. Storytelling techniques and frameworks to identify, craft, and share your story

4. Writing and strategies for digital content creation, including social media

Requirements to Receive Certificate

1. Complete the four workshops offered in this track

2. Complete this track’s “Final Assignment”

Workshops offered in this track
Become a Better Writer: Foundations of Writing & Editing
Writing for the Workplace
The Art and Craft of Storytelling
Narrative Writing for Digital Media and Engagement

As a Student, What is your Return on Investment (ROI)?

  • Develop in-demand and industry-specific skills that can improve job prospects and career advancement 
  • Learn valuable techniques, tools, and technology that can grow your competency and confidence in school and the workplace
  • Receive resume-building credentials and badges for your LinkedIn profile & resume
  • Receive a physical or digital Certificate of Completion. 

Questions about our Certificate Program?

If you have questions about our certificate program, workshop accessibility, or if you have additional questions, reach out to Campus Organizing Director Ben Howery at