E-LEAD

E-LEAD is a hands-on leadership program for Carl R. Ice College of Engineering undergraduate students who want to stand out in their careers. Through team challenges, coaching, and real-world case competitions, students practice leading in tough situations and learn to manage conflict, balance priorities, and drive innovation when others resist change.

Along the way, students will build the mindsets and skills employers value most: adaptability, collaboration, systems thinking and the confidence to lead with impact.

E-LEAD is enrolling now for the inagural spring 2026 program. Students also have the option to earn a microcredential to showcase their leadership growth. Learn more below.

At a glance

• Designed for K-State engineering students ready to grow as leaders.
• Hands-on learning through team projects, coaching, and a case competition.
• Focus on leadership as practice, not just a position or title.
• Builds five core mindsets: leadership, experimental, systems thinking, reflective, and collaborative.
• Equips students with the skills employers want most: adaptability, communication, and confidence in complex environments.

Engineering leadership for the real world

E-LEAD helps engineering student prepare to thrive in today's complex, fast-changing work environments.

Leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about how leaders show up and act when challenges get tough. That’s why E-LEAD focuses on leadership as practice. Students tackle real-world problems like miscommunication on a team, managing conflict, balancing competing priorities, or leading innovation when people resist change. These are the kinds of challenges that don’t have step-by-step solutions, but do require leadership skills.

In E-LEAD, students learn through doing. Hands-on projects, group challenges and reflective activities will push students outside their comfort zone and help them grow.

Students will work in a small “Edge Group” with a leadership coach who will help them navigate the ups and downs of practicing leadership. The program wraps up with an intensive case competition where each team takes on a workplace-style leadership challenge, putting its skills to the test in a way that feels real and rewarding.

In the end, students will be able to:

• Diagnose and respond to complex workplace challenges.
• Address moments of uncertainty.
• Energize collaboration across teams and perspectives.
• Lead tough conversations with confidence.
• Create meaningful change that lasts.
  
  

Enroll now for spring 2026

Visit KSIS and enroll in LEAD 502: Engineering Leadership Development (E-LEAD) for spring 2026.

Requirements and schedule

Workshops

Students will meet three times during the semester for workshops:

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30
• 1 - 5 p.m. Friday, March 27
• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, May 1

Book club

Students will also participate in a book club, reading When Everyone Leads. Five meetings will be available; three must be attended to earn the microcredential.

Edge Groups

Each Edge Group will have five to six student members and a leadership coach/facilitator who meet frequently. Edge Group members work together on specific projects/activities they are assigned during the program, provide peer-consultation to each other, and practice leadership skills taught in the course.

Case competition

Taking place in one day, a real-world simulation challenge will be presented to student teams by 2026 corporate partner Evergy. Teams will have designated time to collaborate and develop a plan to address the challenge, then present their project for a panel of judges.

Questions?

Email leadership@ksu.edu.