The New RLF - Learning Leadership Through Policy

This year, Rockefeller Leadership Fellows (RLF) revamped its programming to renew its focus on applying leadership skills through a public policy lens. The new program centers on the Public Leadership Practicum. For the practicum, RLF participants are sorted into groups focusing on a public policy problem of their choosing. During the fall term, the teams are focused on research, with groups listening to a series of leaders in different fields of public policy as well as doing independent research. Following the end of the fall term, the teams will travel to DC to meet with policy leaders about the problem that they are researching. The winter term will be focused on completing the practicum, ending with a community showcase and the publication of the different projects.

To help evaluate and advise the RLF transition to this new programming, Rocky has brought on the Design Corps team. We have attended every session, interviewed every participant, and met with various leaders of other organizations around campus in our work for Rocky.

In its first term, RLF has been highly effective at fostering leadership development and preparing participants for future endeavors. Participants appreciated its hands-on nature, with one student noting, "This felt like the most practical and engaging program I've done with Rocky." Many valued the chance to tackle real-world problems collaboratively, emphasizing that exercises like mental maps and group critiques allowed them to refine their ideas and build critical leadership skills.

One of the standout aspects of the program is its focus on collaborative problem-solving. Participants found it particularly useful to "go around to each other's work, point out flaws in the logic, and expand on ideas." This iterative feedback process not only improved their projects but also built key leadership skills like critical thinking and giving constructive feedback.

Smaller group discussions were also a highlight. One participant remarked, "Getting into smaller groups and talking casually really helped us clarify our ideas." Extending these sessions and incorporating more follow-up questions could strengthen the program's collaborative dynamic. RLF has consistently prioritized bringing in expert speakers to enhance the program, offering participants unique insights that inform their Public Leadership Practicum. As one participant noted, "Experts give us a perspective we can't get from just data." These expert contributions provide perspectives that go beyond data, grounding participants' work in real-world context and helping their projects stand out.

RLF participants have appreciated the program's commitment to producing tangible deliverables that extend the impact of the program. While they see final presentations as a valuable component, the participants also appreciate how creating products like policy briefs, reports, and other concrete deliverables further solidifies their learning. These tangible outputs not only reinforce their research but also provide participants with materials they can use in applications or professional endeavors. As one participant explained, "It's great to have something we can use to show we've developed real expertise."

One student shared that RLF's new programming fosters a supportive and collaborative environment which is in contrast with other "cutthroat, competitive" programs, allowing participants to thrive. For many, the program has reinforced their aspirations. One participant said, "I want to go into law school and public policy, and this program has helped me see how to combine my interests in a meaningful way." Another added, "I see myself working deeply in policy in my home country, and this program gave me tools I couldn't get from my regular studies." By continuing to emphasize these priorities – expert insights, practical deliverables, and a supportive environment – RLF aims to sustain and enhance the program's transformative impact on participants' trajectories.