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Jun 11

Employees can now enroll for fall 2024 Connected Leaders Academy programs

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Applications for McKinsey & Company’s Connected Leaders Academy (CLA), offered by Penn State Human Resources (HR), are currently open for University managers and leaders interested in joining the September, October and November 2024 cohorts. The applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

CLA is a part of the University’s Leadership Foundations program, a comprehensive multi-track leadership development framework launched by HR in 2022 for individuals in all stages of their leadership and management career development. Over 1,200 employees have completed various multi-week leadership development program tracks, including Leadership Essentials, Emerging Leaders, Transition to Supervision, and Management Concepts, with over 700 additional seats registered for individual courses in the future. 

In 2023, Penn State HR partnered with McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, to bring the CLA to Penn State employees after successfully piloting the program with a small cohort. 

McKinsey’s CLA is intended to help advance racial equity and inclusion by investing in the development of future leaders within an organization by increasing the number of employees from underrepresented populations in leadership positions, improving talent pipelines and unlocking the full potential of existing employees. Participation in CLA programs will equip employees with the skills, peer networks and sponsorship needed to achieve their professional aspirations for growth. Over 125 Penn State employees have either completed or are currently participating in the CLA leadership development program. 

“Penn State continues to look at ways to develop our leaders by broadening their networks and deepening their relationships with their team. Through our partnership with CLA, we can provide our leaders with this opportunity to further themselves and their careers by enabling a growth mindset,” said Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. 

CLA has three leadership academies in its portfolio:  

  • Leadership Essentials (different from the University program mentioned above) is a three-month program designed for early career professionals with less than seven years of work experience. 
  • Management Accelerator, a four-month program geared toward mid-level and senior managers. 
  • Executive Leadership, a three-month program designed for senior executives. 

Program participants attend virtual, weekly sessions, and following completion, program alumni will have access to ongoing learning and networking opportunities through CLA.

Anyone interested in participating in one of the CLA programs in Fall 2024 should submit an expression of interest form as soon as possible. This form will then be routed to the applicant’s manager for review and approval. Supervisor support is essential to the participant’s success in the program to ensure they are given the capacity to attend sessions and complete activities, and the opportunity to share and apply the learning.   

There is no cost associated with participating in the CLA program. Penn State participants who successfully complete the CLA program requirements will receive badges and certificates from Penn State Talent Management.  

Questions about McKinsey’s CLA programs should be directed to Nalini Krishnankutty, Penn State Human Resources diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging program manager, at [email protected].