USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

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USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

Putting passion into practice.

At the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), we prepare educators, leaders, counselors and therapists to transform communities and build a more just, inclusive and inspired world.

09/29/2026

Congratulations, The Nonprofit Institute!

We're proud to share that The Nonprofit Institute, housed at SOLES, has been named the recipient of the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program's (SDVLP) Outstanding Community Partner Award at this year's Justice for All Celebration!

Through its partnership with SDVLP, NPI has helped connect local nonprofits with pro bono legal services, giving them the support to spend less time navigating legal complexity and more time advancing their missions.

Executive Director of The Nonprofit Institute, Laura Deitrick, shared: "When nonprofit organizations are protected and strengthened, so are the people who rely on them every day."

Congratulations to The Nonprofit Institute for this well-deserved recognition!

09/28/2026

BiGI has been named a recipient of Bank of America’s 2026 Neighborhood Builders® award, a prestigious recognition that comes with a $200,000 investment to support this incredible project!

BiGI serves students in San Diego who face disproportionality in educational access and outcomes, providing a seven-year academic and mentorship program designed to support students in grades 6–12.

As a Neighborhood Builder, BiGI will also receive leadership training for its Executive Director and an emerging leader, and join a nationwide network of peer organizations working to expand their impact together.

We couldn't be prouder of this team and everything they continue to do for our scholars and community.

Congratulations, BiGI! 🎉

Bank of America Kimberly White-Smith

09/23/2026

See yourself at SOLES! 🎓 ✨ Explore our master’s and doctoral programs, meet the students, faculty and staff who could be part of your journey and imagine what’s possible for your future. Join us at the University of San Diego for the SOLES Graduate Open House on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.

🔗 Click the link in our bio to register today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

09/08/2026

Welcome to our newest SOLES students! 🌟

On August 31, SOLES held its 2026 fall orientation, welcoming 150+ students across the Department of Counseling and Marital and Family Therapy, the Department of Leadership Studies, and the Department of Learning and Teaching.

From first-time Toreros to returning students continuing their journey, it was a day full of community, connection and excitement for what's ahead. Here's to a year of growth!

09/01/2026

Time is running out to join ARISE 2026 | Empower. Connect. Transform.

From September 15–18, join accomplished women of color in San Diego for a one-of-a-kind leadership experience — featuring inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, meaningful networking and cultural immersion designed just for you. You'll receive a certificate upon completion, honoring this step forward in your leadership journey.

This is your last chance to register — don't wait! The final deadline for participant registration is September 4 at 4 p.m. PDT.

Link to save your spot: https://hubs.la/Q04w7FVF0

08/31/2026

What does it actually feel like to go through a leadership coaching certificate program? We asked our graduates.

From nonprofit executives to physicians to consultants, our alumni describe the same thing: they came in already accomplished — and left with a completely different way of leading, listening, and showing up for the people around them.

Swipe through to hear directly from four graduates of the USD Leadership Coaching Certificate Program.

📅 Registration for our September cohort closes September 8, with classes starting September 18.
✔️ Dual accreditation (ICF Level 2 + CCE/BCC), embedded at no extra cost.
✔️ Small, in-person cohort.

Ready to see where this could take your career? Apply before Sept. 8 https://hubs.la/Q04vztSq0

08/28/2026

🌟 Applications are open!

The University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) is ready to help you grow, lead and make an impact.
Our graduate programs prepare students to become thoughtful, effective leaders in education, counseling and beyond.

📚 Ready to take the next step? Explore our graduate programs and apply today: https://hubs.la/Q04vKy1D0

08/21/2026

Six Toreros have been recognized by the University of San Diego as part of this year’s cohort of Alumni Honors. Each honoree reflects USD’s bold vision to confront humanity’s urgent challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love.

Meet Susan Antolin, EdD '17 (MEd), USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences alumna, Executive Director of Women for Afghan Women (WAW) and Emerging Leader Award recipient. This award is presented annually to an alumnus/alumna who graduated ten or more years ago, has achieved significant professional success, and has made a positive impact on their organization, industry, profession, and/or community. Join us in congratulating Susan and visit the USD News Center for the full list of honorees.

2026 Alumni Honors Recipients Announced ➡️https://bit.ly/usdalumnihonorees2026

08/13/2026

🌟 A new cohort, a new chapter.

Last Saturday, BiGI welcomed its 4th cohort of rising 6th graders — celebrated by their families, the BiGI team and current students, who were also honored for continuing their journey as they move up to the next grade.

BiGI sees the brilliance in each one of its scholars, giving them the space to explore their interests and achieve their dreams. For dozens of new scholars, Saturday marked the start of a years-long, life-changing journey.

Read the full story to learn more about BiGI and the induction ceremony: https://hubs.la/Q04s_0990

San Diego Foundation

07/29/2026

Summer Highlights at CEEN!

This summer, the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN) hosted transformative programs designed to empower educators, students, and community members:

• Pilot Neurodiversity, Equity and Trauma-Informed Approaches (NETA) for Community College Professional Certificate Program (Cohort 2): As CEEN wraps up its second cohort, the team is gearing up for a Final Cohort Celebration, where participants will showcase how they're incorporating Dr. Niki Elliott's Embodied Inquiry 360 Framework into their work.

• Life Path Immersion Program (LPE): In partnership with San Marcos Unified School District, CEEN piloted an immersion experience for neurodiverse high school students and peer counselors — culminating in an inspiring visit to the USD campus! Students will continue engaging with the CEEN team monthly throughout the academic year.

• Heart Centered Connections Book Launch is Here! Dr. Niki Elliott's newly released book teaches best practices to support kids who are misunderstood and marginalized―those who are neurodivergent, have a learning disability, or are trauma survivors. They have extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed. This profound literary work captures the essence of the work CEEN carries out every day at SOLES.

We're so proud of the CEEN team, our instructional and coaching support staff and everyone who participated this summer!

Address

5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA
92110

Telephone

+16192604600

Website

http://www.sandiego.edu/soles

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