King's Civic Leadership Academy's new 3-day pilot programme is a success

11 March 2025

King's Civic Leadership Academy's new 3-day pilot programme is a success

Across three days in the February Reading Week, over 70 students participated in an intensive programme to enhance their understanding of civic leadership and community engagement.

Two students are seated and smiling, working on laptops in a classroom.

Students on the King's Civic Leadership Academy 3-day Kickstarter took part in a 3-day experiential programme designed to deepen their understanding of civic engagement

Held from February 18 to 20, the CLA 3-day Kickstarter is a new iteration of the King’s Civic Leadership Academy (CLA). Over 70 students gained insight into service to society, societal challenges and leadership skills development.

The first day kicked off with an engaging panel discussion on civic leadership, featuring King’s academics and professionals:

Dr Farhan Samanani, Lecturer in Social Justice,
Naureen Abubacker, Partnerships Manager – King’s Volunteering,
Ellie Wilson, Associate Director, London Engagement,
Dr Jack Brown, Lecturer in London Studies and London Partnerships Director Education, Strand Group,
Dr Sarah Tierney, Evaluation & Engagement Manager – One King’s Impact and
Dr Sham Qayyum, Lecturer in Property and Trusts Law.

Each shared their perspective on civic leadership and the importance of working with the community and offered tips on how students can affect change.

Students then visited organisations across London, meeting influential civic leaders at organisations such as the Greater London Authority, Lambeth Council, The King’s Trust and The National Trust, to name a few.

I had an unforgettable time and learned a lot about leadership and making changes in society. I will definitely carry the values and skills I have learned into my future academic and professional life.
Yiqi, 1st year, BSc Psychology

Three students with laptops in discussion.

On the final day of the programme, students worked together on a challenge set by local community organisations

On day 2, King’s Entrepreneurship Institute ran an informative workshop on disruptive thinking and team building. In the afternoon, London Citizens (Citizens UK) facilitated a session on community organising in which students engaged in a role-play activity based on a real-life negotiation. The session highlighted the importance of power dynamics, relationship building and collective action.

The programme was a really empowering and new experience for me, and it has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my time at King’s outside of my course. I particularly enjoyed both the hands-on experience of the community challenge and the negotiation within the Citizens UK community organising as they left me with a real tangible appreciation of what civic engagement can do!
Daniel, second year, BA Politics student

The final day of the Kickstarter saw students take part in a hands-on community challenge set and hosted by organisations like Lambeth Council, I Have a Voice, LW Theatres and King’s Social Mobility & Widening Participation. The practical aspect of the workshops encouraged innovative problem-solving and group work, with students presenting impactful ideas to community partners.

To round off, colleagues from King’s Careers & Employability ran a session on how the students could use this experience for job applications and interviews. The Kickstarter culminated in a celebratory social event, where Vice President Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin praised students for their commitment to the programme and inspired their onward leadership journey. On the programme, she writes:

This new initiative by King’s Civic Leadership Academy is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to developing leaders who are not only academically accomplished but also actively translating their knowledge into meaningful action. It was truly inspiring to see our students collaborate with civic leaders and community partners, embodying our shared responsibility to bring together diverse perspectives and drive societal change through collective action.
Professor ‘Funmi Olonisakin, Vice President (International, Service & Engagement)

Now in its sixth year, the CLA is a programme open to non-final year undergraduate students committed to creating positive societal change. The programme offers a unique opportunity for students to develop the skills and experience that will support them in becoming highly employable, civically minded and engaged citizens.

The success of the CLA 3-Day Kickstarter reaffirms King’s ethos of service to society. It reinforces our commitment to developing socially responsible leaders as well as the University’s continued engagement to foster relationships with local communities and organisations.

All students who completed the Kickstarter were awarded LinkedIn digital credentials and recognition on their Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR). They are also now eligible to apply for a fully funded 6-week internship with one of the CLA’s community partner organisations.

The CLA programme is designed and run by King’s Student Transition & Outcomes department.