Leadership Certification Program
At Charlie Academy, we believe leadership isn’t just something you learn—it’s something you live. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your leadership potential or you’re ready to refine and master your skills, the Charlie Academy Leadership Certification Program is designed to guide you through a transformative experience that helps you grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
This isn’t just a course—it’s a pathway. A journey through self-discovery, mentorship, real-world experience, and career-building opportunities, tailored to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Step 1: Defining Your Path
Before any great leader begins their journey, they take a moment to reflect.
📌 What kind of leader do you want to be?
📌 What impact do you want to have?
That’s where we start. Through a simple application and interview, you’ll outline your personal vision and the strengths you bring to the table. This is your chance to set your intentions and define your “why.”
Step 2: Discovering Your Strengths
Every leader has unique strengths—but also areas where they can grow. In this step, you’ll take a deep dive into self-awareness through assessments like:
✔ Charlie Skills & Gaps Assessment
✔ CliftonStrengths
✔ Values in Action Assessment
These tools help you see your potential more clearly and uncover the areas where you can sharpen your leadership edge.
Step 3: Growing Through Reflection
Leadership isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about real growth. That’s why every month, you’ll take a moment to pause, reflect, and track your progress. You’ll write one-page reflections about what you’ve learned, how you’ve applied it, and what insights you’ve gained along the way.
This habit of self-reflection helps you stay intentional and aware as you develop your leadership style.
Step 4: Finding Your Mentors
Every great leader has a mentor (or a few). You won’t go through this journey alone.
📌 You’ll be placed in a cohort of five peers, led by a carefully selected mentor—a real-world leader who has been where you are and knows what it takes to succeed.
📌 Monthly one-hour mentor meetings will give you guidance, support, and perspective as you navigate your leadership path.
Your mentor’s insights, combined with structured reflection exercises, will help you shape your confidence, decision-making, and leadership voice.
Step 5: Learning the Fundamentals
Great leadership is built on knowledge. Our structured courses help you develop key skills:
Bronze Level: Self-Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, Team Dynamics
Silver Level: Adds Organizational Development
Gold Level: Adds Community Development & Civic Engagement
But this isn’t just about theory—we help you put these lessons into action so you’re not just learning about leadership; you’re becoming a leader.
Step 6: Building New Skills
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll have the flexibility to choose how you grow, with opportunities like:
📌 Charlie Academy courses
📌 Workshops, book discussions, speaker series
📌 Training through LinkedIn Learning, FranklinCovey, Dale Carnegie
You’ll complete a set number of competencies to progress:
Bronze: 10
Silver: 15
Gold: 20
The more you challenge yourself, the deeper your leadership skillset becomes.
Step 7: Leading in Real Life
Learning is one thing—leading is another. Now, it’s time to step into leadership roles and put your skills to the test.
You’ll take on real-world leadership experiences, dedicating hours to hands-on projects where you’ll lead teams, solve problems, and make an impact.
Minimum experience required:
Bronze: 30 hours
Silver: 45 hours
Gold: 60 hours
This step pushes you out of your comfort zone—because real leaders grow through experience.
Step 8: Connecting with Industry Leaders
Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you learn from.
As part of your journey, you’ll interview professionals in your chosen field to gain insights, ask meaningful questions, and build valuable connections.
Leadership interviews required:
Bronze: 3
Silver: 5
Gold: 7
This experience prepares you to step into your future with confidence, armed with knowledge from those who’ve walked the path before you.
Step 9: Presenting Your Growth
By now, you’ve built an incredible foundation. You’ve learned, practiced, and applied leadership in ways you never thought possible.
Now, it’s time to showcase it.
In a final oral interview with our Executive Director, you’ll present your journey—your challenges, breakthroughs, and the leader you’ve become. This isn’t just a formality—it’s a moment to own your transformation and step forward with purpose.
Step 10: Leveraging Your Certification
Earning your Charlie Academy Leadership Certification isn’t just an achievement—it’s a launchpad.
Use your certification to stand out in college applications, job searches, and leadership roles.
Open doors to internships, scholarships, and career opportunities that recognize the depth of your leadership training.
Whether you stop at Bronze, push through to Silver, or go all the way to Gold, your certification is proof of your dedication, skills, and commitment to leadership excellence.
Every leader’s path looks different. But the one thing they all have in common? They took the first step.
Are you ready to start your leadership journey?