Travis Manion Foundation’s premiere 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.
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:
Participants will develop a deeper understanding of self in order to employ a growth mindset that ensures they always act with intention.
Participants will learn how connecting within a group setting can facilitate self-improvement, and they are challenged to empower others to do the same.
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.
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.
Marine Veteran
“Life is hard. There are a lot of things that interfere with my success. What I’ve gained through [Spartan Leadership Program] that has helped to improve my mental well-being is to know that, one, I'm not alone. That I have a cohort, I have a community of people who care, who love, who appreciate what I do, who I am, and that just … nothing beats that. It’s like having a whole new family.”
Surviving Spouse
“Being part of the community of Spartan Leaders inspires me to find the time and the energy and to show up. And while they continue to challenge me, they are also supporting and encouraging me along the way. They are making space and time to get to know me and understand my goals and aspirations. They aren’t letting me give up, or make excuses because they care. And they believe in me.”
Army Veteran
“What I hope to gain, I think I’ve already achieved: being included in an amazing community, being able to contribute to the Spartan Leadership Program, and TMF community. I want to add to that. I want to be able to be an advocate, I want others to see me rocking my TMF logo, [and see] what a true Spartan is. To be able to impact the youth to live the TMF way, to perpetuate that lifestyle of Character Does Matter.”
Completion of this program will yield a better sense of self, new relationships and skills, as well as a deepened confidence to lead and build a legacy. Simply put, the Spartan Leadership Program is designed to provide participants the time and resources to invest in themselves so that they may use their unique character strengths to make a difference.
