Leadership Institute
The Leadership Institute is designed to meet the ever evolving needs of opportunity programs in higher education. It aims to assist professionals at all levels including new directors, assistant directors, counselors, coordinators, and those working directly with students. It also would benefit those who wish to take a holistic approach to their profession, strengthen their leadership skills, and share strategies with their colleagues.
The next Leadership Institute will take place April 3-4, 2027 beginning at 11:30 am at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, NJ. See flyer (PDF).
Register Now.
- NEXTGen’s pre-conference session creates an inclusive space for professionals at all levels to take a holistic approach to burnout and work-related stress, exploring how burnout shows up in our work and bodies, how to prevent it, and how to reconnect with our values and purpose.
- Led by Shani Gardner, LCSW, a specialist in burnout prevention and resilience for professionals in high-stress, mission-driven environments, this engaging and actionable workshop draws on nervous system regulation, boundary-setting, and values-driven decision-making.
- Participants will gain practical tools to strengthen resilience, sustain their capacity, and build healthier, more effective ways of working while remaining connected to the impact they care deeply about.
Although participation is not restricted, the targeted population for this institute is faculty and staff from the opportunity programs in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Visit the 2025 Leadership Archive to learn more.
Leadership Institute Model
- Intentional Professional Development
- Interactive workshops and facilitated conversations
- Reflection and leadership development
- Peer connections with all professional levels: new, upcoming, mid-level, and seasoned
- Wellness, sustainability, and resilience training
Conference Resources
The Leadership Institute is designed to extend beyond the sessions themselves. Participants will have access to resources, materials, and tools that support continued reflection and application after the Institute.
Resources may include:
- Session materials and practical tools;
- Reflection activities and takeaways;
- Resources shared by Institute facilitators and participants;
- Strategies that can be adapted to individual roles and campus environments; and
- Opportunities to continue learning and connecting through NEXTGen.
What You’ll Take With You
- New strategies for navigating change
- Tools for sustaining yourself
- Implemented ideas to take back to your campus
- New perspectives from colleagues
- Expanded professional relationships
- Understanding one’s leadership role
Engage With Us
The Leadership Institute is part of a larger community of opportunity program professionals committed to the continued advancement of our students, our programs, and ourselves.
There are many ways to be part of the conversation:
Attend.
- Join us at the Leadership Institute and bring your perspective to the room.
Share
- Contribute your experiences, ideas, tools, and lessons learned with colleagues.
Connect
- Build relationships with professionals across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Continue
- Stay connected with NEXTGen and continue the conversations beyond the Institute.
Connect with NEXTGen via email: nextgen@tri-stateconsortium.com