Wing Shops: Leadership Academy

The Wing Shop Leadership Academy is a comprehensive leadership development experience designed to support Oregon Tech students in building the skills, awareness, and confidence needed to lead in today’s complex and ever-changing world. Through a series of interactive workshops—known as “Wing Shops”—students engage in meaningful conversations, hands-on activities, and real-world applications that strengthen both personal growth and professional readiness.

This program is intentionally grounded in five core learning pillars: Civic & Cultural Engagement, Cognitive Complexity, Interpersonal Competence, Intrapersonal Awareness, and Practical Skills. Together, these themes provide a holistic framework that recognizes leadership as both an internal and external practice—requiring self-awareness, critical thinking, strong relationships, and the ability to take action within diverse communities.

Throughout the academy, students will explore their identities, values, and leadership styles while also developing the ability to navigate difference, engage in ethical decision-making, and contribute positively to their communities. The curriculum emphasizes belonging, well-being, and adaptability, acknowledging the realities students face today, including navigating multiple identities, managing stress, building connection, and preparing for evolving career environments.

Topic Themes for Program 

• Civic & Cultural Engagement
  • Students will actively engage with their communities and develop a strong sense of responsibility, equity-minded leadership, and social awareness.
    Focus Areas:
    • Community impact & service
    • Inclusive leadership and advocacy
    • Navigating cultural difference with respect and awareness
    • Understanding systems, privilege, and belonging
• Cognitive Complexity & Critical Thinking
  • Students will learn to navigate ambiguity, think critically, and make informed decisions in an era of information overload and rapid change.
    Focus Areas:
    • Problem-solving in complex environments
    • Ethical decision-making
    • Media literacy & navigating misinformation
    • Adaptability and innovation (including AI-awareness and digital tools)
• Interpersonal Competence & Connection
  • Students will strengthen their ability to build authentic relationships and effectively collaborate across differences.
    Focus Areas:
    • Communication across identities and perspectives
    • Conflict navigation and accountability
    • Teamwork and inclusive collaboration
    • Leadership in diverse group settings
• Intrapersonal Awareness & Well-being
  • Students will develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience to navigate stress, identity development, and personal growth.
    Focus Areas:
    • Identity exploration and self-authorship
    • Mental health and burnout prevention
    • Values-based leadership
    • Confidence and self-efficacy
• Practical & Professional Skills
  • Students will gain transferable skills that prepare them for career success and lifelong growth.
    Focus Areas:
    • Professional communication (in-person & digital)
    • Leadership in the workplace
    • Time management and productivity
    • Networking and career readiness

 Learning Outcomes 

By participating in Wing Shops, students will:

• Demonstrate inclusive leadership practices by effectively collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. (Interpersonal Competence)
• Articulate their personal values, identity, and leadership style to guide decision-making and goal setting. (Intrapersonal Awareness)
• Apply practical leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and adaptability in real-world contexts. (Practical Skills)
• Engage in critical thinking and ethical decision-making when navigating complex challenges. (Cognitive Complexity)
• Recognize and act on opportunities to contribute to their communities in meaningful and socially responsible ways. (Civic & Cultural Engagement)

Cultural Competency Development  

By participating in Wing Shops, students will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of their own identities and lived experiences, and how these shape their interactions with others. (Intrapersonal Awareness)
  Engage respectfully and effectively across differences, demonstrating empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness. (Interpersonal Competence)
  Use inclusive and accurate language to describe identity, diversity, and community dynamics. (Practical Skills)
  Recognize and challenge harmful behaviors (such as bias, microaggressions, and exclusion) while fostering inclusive environments. (Civic & Cultural Engagement)
  Demonstrate empathy and perspective-taking when responding to diverse experiences and viewpoints. (Cognitive Complexity)