Volunteer at the Washburn Leadership Challenge Event
The Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® is a Topeka Event where the entire community comes together to invest in the next generation of leaders. Volunteers that are campus leaders, community partners, and Washburn University students collaborate together to deliver a high quality immersive experience.Why Volunteer?
"Volunteers are the cornerstone of WLCE®, the event truly would not be the same without the wonderful people who dedicate their time and effort to youth leaders! The impact of volunteers is huge. They instill confidence in students, give insightful feedback, and empower the next generation’s leaders. Our volunteers create an energetic environment for teams to challenge themselves, build skills, and network with others throughout the day. Without our volunteers, this event would both be a logistical nightmare and lack the component of fun that our students look forward to each year!"
- Mesa Bradbury, Junior Criminal Justice, WLCE® 2026 Fellow
"As a two-year WLCE® participant, I developed valuable leadership, teamwork, and professional skills that will support me throughout my academic and professional career. This impactful two day event would not have been possible without the student and community volunteers. From setting up technology to judging the final presentations volunteers are essential to the entire WLCE® event, and appreciated by all participants"
- Dayton Vanderpool, First-Year Entrepreneurship & Innovation
"You should volunteer at WLCE® because it's a great way to inspire future leaders and have fun at the same time! By volunteering, you'll help students build confidence and teamwork skills that'll set them up for success, not just in their own futures, but for the future of our community."
- Tracy Killough, Director of Community Engagement at Advisors Excel
"Others should volunteer for the Leadership Challenge Event® because it is more than just an event is an experience that builds connection and purpose. The volunteers play a key role in helping to creating a supportive environment. It is also a chance to network with other professionals from the Topeka and the Washburn community who share the passion of leadership and community involvement. I think it is not only about giving time, but more about investing in our future leaders."
- Angela Valdivia, Assistant Director of Career Engagement Office at Washburn University
Volunteer Opportunities
The Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® uses approximately 180 volunteers to make the event a success. There are a variety of roles ranging from all-day experiences to smaller roles as your schedule allows. Primary volunteer opportunities for campus and community partners include:
- Judges - Individuals that will engage in the evaluation of competitive teams in the leadership simulation, focusing on elements of both leader and leadership effectiveness
- Scorers - Individuals that will engage in the data collection and scoring of competitive teams in the leadership simulation
- Role Players - Individuals that will play fictional roles as part of the leadership simulation in a live interactive format
- Current Washburn University students - numerous opportunities to volunteer in multiple areas on both Thursday and Friday.
Sign up to volunteer!
