Building Leaders of Character
Our proprietary Spartan Leadership Program connects purpose with passion to hone and leverage the leadership of our nation’s heroes.The 7-month program offers an innovative way for veterans and families of fallen heroes to learn and embrace the framework of Spartan Leadership, which begins with self-development and culminates in building a lasting legacy of service.Through intentional practice and learning that blends virtual and in-person experiences, the Spartan Leadership Program is aimed at developing personal growth and leadership among veterans and survivors, who we believe are uniquely positioned to motivate communities toward meaningful change. Rooted in the principles of character-based education and positive psychology, the program's curriculum is delivered by best-in-class, like-minded professionals who share our passion for empowering veterans and families of the fallen.
A COMMITMENT TO GROWTH + LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Following a detailed application process and acceptance, veteran and survivor participants should be prepared to spend an average of 3-4 hours per week on program elements to include online instruction, virtual group meetings, practical exercises, and self-reflection. TMF also facilitates three required in-person commitments: a four-day program kickoff, a week-long leadership Expedition, and a four-day graduation.
Defining Spartan Leadership
Being a Spartan Leader means placing the mission to serve above our own self-interest. We work aggressively to develop and prepare ourselves so we stay in the fight. We live the "If Not Me, Then Who..." ethos at all times, acting with integrity. Our program works to develop this unique mindset by focusing on our four-part framework of Spartan Leadership:
Develop
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of self in order to employ a growth mindset that ensures they always act with intention.
Connect + Challenge
Participants will learn how connecting within a group setting can facilitate self-improvement, and they are challenged to empower others to do the same.
Serve
A desire to serve is at the core of every Spartan Leader. Participants will leave the program with a heightened desire to lead by example, from the front.
Build a Legacy
We want our graduates to cultivate a lasting legacy of service - one that begins with themselves, but also continues on in their communities for many generations to come.
Leader Spotlights
Check out a few reflections from select 2022 Cohort participants on what makes the Spartan Leadership Program special.
Demmentrice Jefferson
Army Veteran
"The impact [of The Spartan Leadership Program] has been tremendous because now I instill that into the youth that I work with. I ask them to do the same thing, especially if they are in a setting with new students or children and no one is talking to them. I ask them to find out why and make a difference and be that one that speaks and helps those students or children that are alone."
Rosanna Powers
Marine Veteran, Surviving Sister + Fiance
"This program is like teaching a man to fish. Building up veterans and families of the fallen and helping them deep in their core to make a lasting difference. ... Serving my community is my absolute favorite place to be and that purpose is the biggest benefit of this program."
Chris Lancia
Army Veteran
"I’ve been exposed to experiences and allowed opportunities for growth that have led me to this moment, to being this person. And I now understand better than ever before my responsibility to seek acceptable imbalance and make decisions that are way better than ‘good enough.’"
Additional Information
-
Program Details
How is this program different from other leadership programs?
The Spartan Leadership Program is unique not only because we’re bringing together veterans and families of fallen heroes who are already uniquely positioned to lead but also because our curriculum is enriched with character-based learning, self-discovery, and experiential leadership development. Participants are challenged to reflect on and develop a deeper understanding and clarity of personal values, passions, purpose, and leadership. We believe personal purpose is what leads to passion and thriving; our curriculum is built around that idea.
What are the program commitments?
All curriculum meetings will be hosted online. If selected for the Spartan Leadership Program, participants are expected to be committed to the process. Participants should be prepared to spend an average of 3-4 hours weekly on program elements to include online instruction, group discussion, practical exercises, and reflection.
There are three mandatory in-person meetings -- a four-day Program Kick-off in April 2023 in Atlanta, GA, a six-day Leadership Expedition in Colorado, July 2023; and a four-day in-person graduation ceremony in November 2023 (location TBD).If requirements of the program outlined above are not met, TMF reserves the right to release the participant from The Spartan Leadership Program.
Is this an accredited program? Can I receive college credit hours?
While the Spartan Leadership Program does not qualify a candidate for a college credit, and is not connected to an accredited institution, candidates will receive a certificate upon completion.
What topics will the program curriculum cover?
The Spartan Leadership Program consists of a 4-part framework: Develop, Connect & Challenge, Serve, and Build a Legacy. The curriculum moves each participant through the framework by way of an in-person Program Kick-off, experiential Leadership Expedition, readings, group discussions, reflection activities/assignments, guest speakers, and a cumulative capstone project.
-
Candidate Selection Process
What are the application requirements? How will participants be selected?
The Spartan Leadership Program is designed exclusively for veterans and families of fallen heroes. Candidates are asked to participate in a detailed application process.
Due to limited space, the program selection process is divided into two phases, an online application phase, and a person-by-person committee review phase. Select applicants then move forward to a series of phone and/or video interviews by members of the Selection Committee.
Is this program open to people who are not veterans?
This program is designed specifically for veterans and military families of fallen heroes.
Can I apply if I haven’t participated in other TMF programs?
The Spartan Leadership Program is open to previously engaged Spartans as well as veterans and family members of fallen heroes who are new to TMF.
When are participants chosen and notified?
The application program is currently closed for the 2022 cohort. Applications for the next cohort will open in Fall 2022.
The application process for each year's cohort opens and closes in the fall. Candidates for 2023 will be chosen and notified by January 2023.
Are there any fees associated with The Spartan Leadership Program?
Thanks to our generous donors, TMF covers all expenses related to curriculum materials and required travel for the program.
Please direct any additional application or program questions to SLP@travismanion.org
