Planting Seeds for Success: Aims' Leadership Program Cultivates Future Leaders

Adriana is working on a Radiologic Technologist Associate Degree at Aims and aspires to build a career in medical imaging. She is looking to further her education at Aims with a Mammography Technologist Certificate. She believes participating in the Seeds program benefits her as a student and future healthcare professional. “In the beginning, I was a little shy, but Seeds helped me step out of my shell,” Adriana said. “ I realized everyone else was just as unsure, and it was a safe space to learn and grow together.”

Jeremiah is studying psychology and will graduate from Aims in May. He plans to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado to earn both a bachelor’s and master's degree. He ultimately wants to become a clinical counselor specializing in working with teenagers.

Jeremiah expressed similar uncertainty when entering the Seeds program. “I was hesitant at first just because when it comes to gaining leadership skills, I’ve always doubted myself,” he said. “This spring, I had a friend who wanted to do it, and I thought, you know what? Having that friend go on that little next-step journey with me in the Seeds program helped.”

Seeds Leadership in Action

Seeds is a program designed to develop students’ confidence, self-efficacy, and leadership skills. One of the unique elements is its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion as core components of leadership training. Seeds ensures students understand how to lead inclusively, appreciate different perspectives, and advocate for equity.

Students submit an application in the fall, which is now open, and are selected to participate the following spring. The following fall, returning students can become peer mentors to help guide students entering the program. Graduating students who complete the program are recognized with a Seeds cord to wear during the commencement ceremony. 

“The goal is to prepare them for their next steps beyond Aims and also give them some tools for leadership,” said Selena Palomino, MOSAIC program manager who coordinates the Seeds program. “It is all designed to support their personal and professional development.” 

Students attend a training series that focuses on their leadership philosophy, values, and strategies to develop a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles for leadership that inform how they build community.  They also participate in workshops and activities that build their career development skills. Jeremiah’s workshop experiences helped him grow. “One thing that stuck with me was learning about microaggressions and how to respond to certain stuff, stand your ground and be respectful."

Seeds students also build a career portfolio that includes writing a resume, cover letter, diversity statement and more. They also get practice in asking for letters of recommendation to add those letters to their portfolios. “Before, my resume was very rough,” Adriana said. “I just got out of high school, and it wasn’t even a full page. Now, after taking the program, I feel really confident about it. It also shows you not to undersell yourself.”

Another key program element is mentorship. Students are paired with faculty, staff, administrators or peers. They are required to meet at least three times during the semester.  Adriana worked with her mentor, Maricruz, to set achievable goals. They would plan each meeting with specific objectives, focusing on tasks like completing her resume or refining her diversity statement. Adriana connected with Maricruz because they shared similar backgrounds. She could relate to her stories and challenges, making Adriana feel understood and supported. 

To give back to the community and apply newly found leadership skills, Seeds students are encouraged to volunteer.  For example, Seeds participants have volunteered with the Red Cross to provide fire safety education to the local community. Another way Seeds students have given back is by volunteering at Alternative Homes for Youth supporting youth mentorship by sharing more about their college experience and how to apply to Aims.

The program additionally helps the students network and meet students outside of their classes. Jeremiah believes he got more active on campus because of Seeds. “One of my classmates in the Seeds program, Monica, was the President of the Aims chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Meeting her led me to join LULAC, and everything fell into place,” he said. “It was like a domino effect — one thing led to another, and I got more involved.”

“At the end of the semester, they’re able to put all these pieces together,” Selena said. “They’re better prepared for that next step in their journey, and they can use these materials when applying for jobs, at other universities, or whatever might come next.”

Thriving Students

Both Adriana and Jeremiah are glad that they took part in the program. 

“It prepares you for the future,” Adriana said. “I’ve gained so many skills I wouldn’t have known that I needed. Everything will help me when looking for jobs or applying to other schools.”

“If you had told me a few years ago I’d be doing all this, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Jeremiah said. “The program has helped me grow into someone who wants to lead and give back.” He plans to be a Seeds mentor next spring. “I love helping people, and if I can help guide students new to Aims, I’d be honored to do that. I want them to know about the resources and the events they can get involved in. I don’t want anyone to miss out on everything Seeds and Aims have to offer.” 

Learn more about Seeds and apply for the Spring 2025 program. The application period is open until December 16, 2024.