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Student Leadership Institute

Student Leadership Institute (SLI)

The Student Leadership Institute (SLI) is a leadership development and scholarship program designed to support Hartnell College students in achieving college completion, leadership growth, and personal, academic, and professional success. The program focuses on students who demonstrate leadership potential, financial need, and academic achievement in the context of adversity.

SLI Scholars participate in a structured leadership curriculum, receive mentorship from community leaders, and earn scholarship support upon successful completion of program milestones.

Program elements:

  • Leadership Retreat: A required three-day leadership retreat held in August to develop foundational leadership and life skills such as communication, financial literacy, goal setting, teamwork, and professional development.
  • Leadership Workshops: Three required leadership workshops held throughout the academic year that build on retreat content and strengthen leadership practice, career readiness, and self-development.
  • Mentorship Program: Community leaders serve as SLI Mentors and provide guidance, encouragement, and leadership support to scholars through required meetings and structured mentorship activities.

Students receive a $1,250 scholarship award upon completion of the Leadership Retreat and an additional $1,250 scholarship award upon successful completion of all required leadership workshops. To qualify for the Student Leadership Institute, students must apply in the Spring semester. Applications are reviewed based on academic achievement, demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, financial need, and leadership potential. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Be a current Hartnell College student
  • Be enrolled in at least 9 units and plan to remain enrolled at Hartnell College for the 2025–2026 academic year
  • Maintain enrollment in at least 9 units each semester (exceptions may be considered under special circumstances, such as DSPS)
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Demonstrate leadership potential, financial need, and academic achievement in the context of adversity
  • Former MILE/WELI recipients are not eligible to apply.

Program participation requirements:

  • Leadership Training (required):
    • August 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • August 11, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    • August 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Quarterly Mentor Meetings (required):
    • Dates will be announced at a later time. Typically, we meet in October, February,y and April on a Saturday from 10-2 pm.

Application Process

Students must apply in the Spring semester. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility requirements and program criteria.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Office of Student Life at 831-755-6734.

High school students are not eligible to apply for this program. Please visit www.hartnell.edu/promise for information about the Salinas Valley Promise Program, which can help pay for tuition at Hartnell College.