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First-Year Student Leadership Program

First year leadership program students in front of the washington square arch

The NYU Steinhardt First-Year Student Leadership Program is designed to provide incoming students, including those from historically underserved communities, a non-credited, compensated course dedicated to empowering their leadership skills while gaining resources and knowledge to support their time at NYU and beyond. 

This program is a facilitated experience featuring in-class discussions, guest speakers, community engagement, and an opportunity to study away in the summer to Washington DC. Students also participate in community service engagement through NYU’s largest and free community service sector, the College & Career Lab. Program sessions center topics such as professional development, community care, mentorship, mental health awareness, and community impact. 

Components

The First-Year Program is rooted in these three components:

  • Empowerment - Supporting students with self-reflection, embracing their whole authentic selves, and encouraging them to lead in their desired fields and communities.
  • Community Care - Creating an environment of belonging and shared knowledge while contributing their leadership skills through service engagement such as the NYU College & Career Lab (CCL).
  • Growth - Commitment to continuous learning, personal and professional development, and actively fostering inclusive environments.

Instructor

This program is led by Emily Verzosa Liebau, Program Administrator of the Office of Community and Culture. Emily received her Bachelor's degree in International Journalism, with a minor in Graphic Design and Asian Pacific American studies from Michigan State University; and completed her Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs at NYU Steinhardt. Emily proudly identifies as a multiracial Filipino American from Metro Detroit.