The Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® (WLCE®) is an annual event hosted by the Washburn University Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement. It is a unique inter-scholastic as well as inter-collegiate leadership competition which provides high school and undergraduate college students an opportunity to participate in an organized competition that simulates real-life experiences. The WLCE® challenges students to address a variety of problems and situations where the outcome of the simulation is dependent on the leadership decisions made throughout the course of the competition.
The WLCE® simulates the real-world process of leadership through the two-day event, consisting of a live, interactive leadership simulation. Student teams of 5 will compete to fulfill the challenges and overcome the obstacles placed before them in a manner that demonstrates exemplary leadership knowledge and execution.
The Washburn University Aleshire Center for Leadership and Community Engagement espouses the belief that leadership is not a position, but rather a process. The Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® encourages leadership development by offering participants education, hands-on experience, and recognition in a competitive environment. It honors intellectual achievement and practical experience in leadership while building camaraderie and networks between competitors.
WLCE® Objectives
- To showcase future leaders within and outside Kansas by acknowledging a solid knowledge and use of leadership skills during the course of the competition
- To offer intellectual and practical leadership development in a unique forum in the form of a one day competition
- To provide a rewarding experience for all participants (students, advisors and community participants)
- To enhance networking opportunities for participants with peers from around the country as well as professionals and leaders in the Topeka community
- To provide the city of Topeka and the surrounding area with additional opportunities for community advertising and promotion, sponsorship and partnering opportunities, as well as additional business and commerce from conference participants, sponsors and outside volunteers
2026 WLCE® Winners
| High School Division | College Division |
| Champion – Shawnee Heights High School | Champions – University of Nebraska - Lincoln |
| 2nd Place – Washburn Rural High School | 2nd Place – Creighton University |
| 3rd Place – Derby High School | 3rd Place – Hampden-Sydney College |
| Communication Award – Topeka West High School | Communication Award – Hampden-Sydney College |
| Collaboration Award – Liberty High School #1 | Collaboration Award – Christopher Newport University #1 |
| Transformation Award – Sante Fe Trail High School #2 | Transformation Award – Garden City Community College |
| Emerging Leader – Hugoton High School | Emerging Leader – Creighton University |
Join us for the 2027 Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® - March 4 & 5
