LATINX LEADERSHIP LEARNING: Lessons from an Undergraduate Academic Course

Identity-based leadership courses support and engage more Latinx students in higher education by focusing on identity development and capacity building. Academic courses that take into consideration cultural relevance foster the academic persistence of undergraduate Latinx students and can support degree completion. This article explores the significance of providing leadership learning opportunities for Latinx undergraduate college students and highlights one institution’s journey in developing and providing an undergraduate Latinx Leadership course. Theoretical underpinnings in leadership learning, culturally relevant leadership learning, and Latinx leadership development are provided as a foundation to the course. Reflections gathered from students’ perceptions of taking the undergraduate Latinx Leadership Development course inform lessons learned in the process, the challenges of developing and teaching such a course. Implications for leadership teaching and learning are also shared.