Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program
A message from the Vice-Chancellor
A Monash University education is transformative, combining excellence with experiential and immersive experiences, and fostering a global outlook to take on the challenges of the age. It's about honing the skills to shape a successful career and making a global impact. In the dynamic tapestry of Monash, leadership is not just a trait; it's a key thread woven into the fabric of your education.
The Ancora Imparo program is an immersive experience designed to unlock your leadership potential, guiding you through engaging interactions with renowned community leaders, distinguished alumni, our dedicated Monash staff, and the brilliant minds around you — your fellow students.
I wholeheartedly recommend it. It's not just an opportunity; it's a catalyst for growth and a pathway to discovering leadership potential that will set you apart in your endeavours.
Join us in the quest for knowledge, empowerment, and leadership that transcends boundaries.
Professor Sharon Pickering
Vice-Chancellor and President, Monash University
Benefits
Embark on a transformative year-long journey with the Ancora Imparo Leadership Program – an immersive experience that empowers you with the essential skills and confidence required for impactful leadership.
More than 600 students have completed this program since inception in 2006, many of whom have gone on to achieve excellence in their chosen field. Alumni of the program include Rhodes Scholars Geoffrey Pascoe (2008), Thom Woodroof (2009), Connor Rochford (2012), Kate Maddern (2021), Nick Young (2021), Laura McArthur (2022) and Harrison Jones (2023). After successfully completing the program (and meeting all the program requirements), you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. The Program is a unique opportunity to develop:
- friendships with like-minded peer across faculties
- leadership confidence and competence
- the ability to create positive social change.
To support you during the program, you’ll receive a stipend of $500. There’s no income tax exemption for the $500 stipend.
Program details
This year-long program will take you on a transformative journey, giving you the confidence and skills you need to create the changes you’d like to see in the world.
The program provides leadership masterclasses in:
- self-awareness
- values and ethics
- decision-making
- communication
- collaboration
- positive social change.
You’ll also make great friends, enjoy social events and learn from the following incredible leaders (all have contributed to the program in previous years):
- Dr Megan Clark AC, former head of the Australian Space Agency
- Julian Burnside AO QC, barrister, human rights and refugee advocate
- Hon Judge Marilyn Warren AC KC, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria
- Sam Loni, Program Director at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
- Paul Grabowsky AO, Australian pianist and composer
- Dr Leanne Rowe AM, Melbourne GP and former Beyond Blue board member
- Christine Nixon AO APM, first female chief commissioner in any Australian state police force
- Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM, oncologist, Fulbright Scholar and award-winning author
- Dr Tim Soutphommasane, former Australian Human Rights Commissioner
- Prof John Thwaites AM, Chair of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Climateworks Centre
- Paul Ronalds, CEO of Save the Children Ventures.
Residential
The program begins with an off-site, fully funded residential. As a group, you’ll explore leadership theories via experimental games, and examine leadership styles with a guided simulation. Guest speakers will tell you about their career and leadership journey, and you’ll have detailed discussions with them about their decision making. In the evenings, you’ll have plenty of fun with your fellow Ancorans, with the opportunity to mingle, dance, and enjoy good food together.
Seminars
Participate in eight dynamic evening seminars throughout the year featuring diverse leadership challenges and presentations from distinguished leaders and student-led workshops.
Presentations
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking dialogues with accomplished leaders, participating in fireside chats, dynamic presentations, and interactive panel discussions. Seize the opportunity to pose insightful questions and gain valuable insights.
Syndicate groups
Collaborate within a small team to investigate a contemporary leadership challenge, crafting a compelling workshop that empowers your fellow Ancorans to delve into innovative solutions for the challenge at hand. Previous topics have included: the gender pay gap, access to education, environmental sustainability, racism in politics, media ethics, sexism in society, terrorism, and more!
All seminars are catered and presented in an intimate setting.
Service learning
You’ll have the opportunity to opt into a service learning project. Working in a multi-disciplinary team of five students, you’ll partner with a community organisation to solve a real-world problem.
Completion ceremony
At the end of the program, you’ll be invited to the completion ceremony, together with family and fellow Ancorans. The ceremony is a chance for you to reflect on the program and celebrate your success.
Eligibility criteria
Participants must be second-year undergraduates at a Monash University Victorian campus. There are 40 positions available in the program each year.
To be eligible, you must be one of the following at the time of your application:
- a current first-year undergraduate student at Monash University
- a final-year student in a post-secondary course with a direct pathway into the second year of a Monash University course (e.g. a Monash College Diploma or a Diploma of Tertiary Studies)
- a mid-year intake undergraduate student beginning the second-year of your course
- a mature-age student who completed your first degree over 10 years ago and is, at the time of application, a first-year undergraduate student at Monash University
- an Indigenous student who is a current second-year undergraduate at Monash University and who has not applied in the previous year.
Successful applicants must be able to commit to the residential program, as well as eight evening seminars, held monthly.
Indigenous students
Please contact the William Cooper Institute for further advice on preparing your application.
Applications
Applications for the 2024 program have now closed. Applications for the 2025 program will open in May 2024.
Important dates
2024
Date | Event |
---|---|
7 May | Applications open at 9am. |
Jul–Aug | Various information sessions – book in UniHub |
4 Aug | Stage 1: Applications close at 11.59pm (Melbourne time) |
6 Aug | Shortlisted students invited to submit character references |
21 Aug | Stage 2: References due at 11.59pm (Melbourne time) |
26 Aug–8 Sep | Stage 3: Faculty shortlisting |
Early Oct | Shortlisted applicants are contacted for interviews |
8–9 Oct | Stage 4: Interviews |
Mid-Oct | Applicants are advised of their application outcome |
2024 program commencement
Date | Event |
---|---|
14–16 Feb | Residential component |
The 2024 program starts the week before O-Week of semester one, with a mandatory residential component.
Eight evening seminars are held on-campus on Tuesday evenings (approximately one evening seminar per month during each semester). Students are expected to attend all program events, with absences permitted on a case-by-case basis. If you want to apply but you’re not sure if you can commit to the program dates, contact the program coordinator below for more details.
Contact for enquiries
Email: ancora.imparo.leadership@monash.edu
This program is proudly delivered by Career Connect.
Student testimonials
97% of students in the 2021 program said it helped them clarify their leadership values, and 100% of students were satisfied with their experience.
Derek, Bachelor of Public Health, 2022 Ancoran
The best thing about this program was the residential! It really helped me to learn more about everyone else in the program. Likewise, it provided me with an opportunity to reflect and pause about my ideology concerning leadership and effective altruism.
Vania, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, 2021 Ancoran
This program has helped me so much in becoming more articulate in how I speak/present ideas/arguments amongst others. It's given me the confidence to grow more as a person and I really appreciate that.
James, Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine student, 2021 Ancoran
One of my biggest takeaways has been the diversity of leadership styles and approaches seen across the different speakers. It's comforting to see that wildly different approaches can work just as well, and it's given me confidence to define my own leadership style while drawing on the common threads of successful leaders.
Kayla, Bachelor of Commerce, 2021 Ancoran
I learnt in this program that leadership isn't something you plan to start doing when you are older. It is something you are able to start doing now.
Juli, Bachelor of Global Studies, 2020 Ancoran
“Through this program, I have come to realise my potential. Being in discussions with my diverse, passionate, and ambitious fellow Ancorans ... I appreciate how much I have learnt as an individual, and I will strive to continue growing to achieve my goals, set out new initiatives, and bring about positive changes to my communities.
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