Leadership Institute

Personal development for emerging leaders

The Leadership Institute (LI) is Delta Sigma Phi’s flagship program for undergraduates—an immersive, five-day leadership experience designed to transform members into confident, skilled leaders.

The Leadership Institute is the pinnacle of leadership development for undergraduates, challenging our members to grow as leaders and scholars. Through immersive leadership training and workshops, participants are equipped with the tools to navigate a wide range of challenging environments, sharpen their critical thinking, and apply leadership skills in their academic pursuits.

Led by trained alumni volunteers, LI challenges participants to push their leadership abilities through individual and team-based exercises. The program prepares each member for future leadership opportunities—whether on campus or beyond—by building a strong foundation for personal growth and leadership excellence.

Since its inception more than three decades ago, more than 1,300 undergraduate members have graduated from the Leadership Institute, with many of Delta Sigma Phi's most successful leaders crediting the program as a cornerstone of their development.

Why LI?

See what staff and recent attendees have to say.

LI left me with a newfound confidence that shows in my day-to-day interactions. The experiences I had at Leadership Institute were incredible; it brought out the leader in me that I always knew existed, and I will forever be changed because of that.

Robert Terhell

Gamma Epsilon, 2017

LI Graduate

The Leadership Institute continues to be one of the most transformative programs Delta Sigma Phi offers to our undergraduate men. Having attended LI as an undergraduate and getting the opportunity to facilitate the program 12 years later, it’s comforting to know that this program has continued to iterate on itself to be an even better program that still delivers on the promise of helping individuals be a better man, not only as a leader, but as a individual as well.

Brian Speckhard

Delta Lambda, 2011

My expectations going into LI versus what I actually experienced were on two different levels. I was completely blown away by the experience, and I know the relationships I've built will be life-long. Thank you so much for making this experience possible for me—I hope to repay the debt and help make this same experience possible for future Delta Sigs.

Brennan Holyfield

Zeta Pi, 2024

Leadership Institute, for me, was an eye opening experience that allowed me to grow as a person by sharing experiences with different brothers across the nation. Learning about the different ways that chapters operate is really helpful when trying to improve how your own chapter can operate.

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De'Andre Wilson

Alpha Nu, 2018

The Leadership Institute was a mind altering experience and I can't imagine going through it with a better group of guys. What I learned and the relationships I made will last me a lifetime—I am forever grateful for the opportunity and chance to be here.

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Trace Morgan

Beta Iota, 2024

The confidence and leadership skills I gained from attending Leadership Institute have undoubtedly been a part of my professional success. These types of experiences motivate me to become the best version of myself—both in and out of the classroom.

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Nathan Tesmer

Epsilon Iota, 2015

Leadership Institute has helped spark confidence in myself—to lead, to grow, and to pay it forward. I can't recommend this experience enough. I'm beyond grateful to every individual that has made it possible for me to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and I am proud to be a Delta Sig.

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Christopher Aragon

Eta Beta, 2024

FAQ

You've got questions? We've got answers.


Initiated undergraduate members who are passionate about leadership development and have at least one academic year remaining before graduating.


We look for members with demonstrated leadership involvement, either through their chapter or other campus organizations. Selected participants should have a clear vision of how they will apply new leadership skills to their roles.


Thanks to generous donations from donors to the Delta Sigma Phi Foundation, the Leadership Institute is completely free. This includes travel, lodging, meals, and program expenses.


The application deadline is April 30th.

Still have questions? Send an email to membershipexperience@deltasig.org and we'll get back with you ASAP!