Undergraduate Leadership Workshop
Applications for the 2023 ULW are now closed.
This five-day immersion experience at NCAR in Boulder, Colorado, gives undergraduate students a chance to explore careers in the atmospheric sciences and develop their leadership potential.
The leadership components of the workshop involve team building and leadership training, networking, and developing communication skills. Areas of scientific focus include weather research, forecasting, climate modeling, solar dynamics, and societal impacts of severe weather and climate change.
STATEMENT ON COVID-19: The 2023 ULW is planning for in-person programming to be held in Boulder, CO. We are also continuing to monitor the COVID-19 Pandemic. If we are not able to run the 2023 program in person, we will transition the ULW to online programming. This decision will be made prior to notifying students of their selection and will be stated in their offer letter.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Together we look at qualities of good leadership and how people with leadership traits use values to guide their choices and actions. Students look at understanding how our own strengths are different than - and often complementary to - those of others and how to embrace our strengths. Participants learn how team dynamics can be affected by understanding strengths and weaknesses, while discovering the richness, compassion, and power of bringing different perspectives together. Students also have the opportunity to meet professionals in different leadership positions at NCAR and UCAR.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Students visit scientific labs and facilities, and connect with scientists to learn about their research. Participants also attend career panels with grad students, academics, and private sector scientists. Past participants have said that the Undergraduate Leadership Workshop opened their eyes to a whole new world in atmospheric science and that the workshop allowed them to connect with peers from across the nation.
MENTORING
Students have one-on-one conversations with mentors to learn about what life is like in the atmospheric sciences or related field, and receive guidance on their own career paths. Throughout the workshop, participants are encouraged to explore paths that compliment their knowledge, skills, and heartfelt interests while expanding their connections in those areas.
DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER SKILLS
Students participate in seminars on graduate school and in professional development workshops, including communications training. This may include improving listening skills, giving an elevator speech, and improving job application materials. These seminars are designed to help students succeed in any field they decide to pursue.
MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH PEERS
Students from around the nation connect with peers and immerse themselves in an inclusive scientific community during the Undergraduate Leadership Workshop. With the support of staff, mentors, and the student cohort, participants can explore their interests in STEM and discover new possibilities.
THE LONGTERM IMPACTS OF THE NCAR UNDERGRADUATE LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
Longterm program outcomes for participants include the development of a close, professional network of peers; a sense of belonging to a diverse group of students with overlapping interests; a raised awareness of career paths in the atmospheric sciences; and an increased interest in pursuing a STEM graduate degree or career.
HOW TO APPLY AND OTHER QUESTIONS
Applications for the 2023 ULW are now closed. Check here for the 2024 application early in 2024.
CONTACT US
Email us at: ulw@ucar.edu