Students completing Chapman University’s Leadership Studies minor, offered through Attallah College of Educational Studies, finish their program each spring with LEAD 497, “Senior Seminar: Leadership Integrative Capstone.” The course turns leadership theory into practice; this semester, the class partnered with StandUp for Kids to address urgent challenges facing unhoused and at-risk youth in Orange County. 

Led by Tara Widner, Ph.D., instructional associate professor and director of leadership studies programs, the 30-student course used adaptive leadership theory to confront a complex societal issue chosen through a “Shark Tank” style pitch session. After visiting with five non–profits, the class voted to support StandUp for Kids. 

Students organized into four project teams: media and outreach, adaptive challenge research, marathon fundraising, and internship development to maximize impact. Two students completed the OC Half Marathon, and one ran the 5K, securing more than $5,000 in pledges. On campus tabling events boosted donations, and a Panther Experiential Philanthropy Project (PEPP) grant added $2,000, bringing the total to upward of $7,000 for the non–profit’s youth programs. 

“This year’s capstone students went above and beyond, addressing adaptive aspects of youth homelessness while raising significant funds and creating a lasting internship,” Widner said. “It’s a testament to their leadership practice.” 

The course, LEAD 497, employs the “case in point” method pioneered at Harvard University, rotating “designated authority” days so students can lead class sessions and assess group dynamics in real time. Sammy Baloch, a Chapman senior majoring in strategic and corporate communication, called one of those sessions transformative. 

“Opening up about our personal backgrounds created a deep sense of connection and refocused us on the challenge of youth homelessness,” Baloch said. “It reminded me that effective leadership starts with empathy.” 

Nick Saccacio, a Chapman senior majoring in business administration, added that constructive conflict became a catalyst for progress. “Once we embraced conflict, we found true direction,” he said. “Authenticity and healthy debate moved our plan forward.” 

Launched as a student project by Alisa Driscoll, M.A. ’19, now vice president for community relations at Chapman University, the Panther Experiential Philanthropy Project has since awarded more than $60,000 to local nonprofits. Widner said this semester’s cohort extended that legacy by creating an ongoing internship to support Stand Up for Kids after graduation. 

LEAD 497 is offered every semester and serves as the culminating experience for students in Attallah College’s leadership studies minor.