The Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced the 39 students selected for its 2026 cohort of the Clifton Builders Program. This program, designed to foster leadership and entrepreneurial skills, includes students from various U.S. states with diverse academic interests, such as finance, marketing, biological sciences, and construction management.
Key Highlights:
- Program Objectives: The Clifton Builders Program aims to help students develop their individual strengths and drive positive change in their communities. Tim Hodges, the executive director, emphasizes the themes of stretching, disrupting, and transforming.
- Cohort Model: Students will work closely within a community, engage in three exclusive classes, and benefit from mentorship by Gallup-certified coaches to enhance their leadership skills.
- Courses Offered: Participants will take classes like:
- Building a Life for Impact: Focusing on management and consulting skills.
- Organizational Behavior: Covering effective management and leadership practices.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Organizations: Focused on product development and market analysis, culminating in the Builder Marketplace.
Notable Participants:
- From Nebraska:
- Elkhorn: Mia Deleidi (Marketing), Kelly Knutson (Business Analytics and Finance)
- Omaha: Violet Crawford (Management), Madison Jensen (Clifton Builders Management and Hospitality)
- Outside Nebraska:
- Chicago, IL: Noelle Dadian (Management), Emily Rue (Management and Marketing)
- Roanoke, TX: Emma Pinney (Business Analytics and Finance)
Program Impact:
The program has a strong emphasis on community service, with students donating Marketplace revenue to a charity of their choice. Many alumni have gone on to successful careers in renowned companies or pursued further education.
For more information on the program, you can visit the Clifton Builders Program website.
