Program Overview

Cleveland State University’s Leadership and Innovation Fellows for Transformation (LIFT) program is an opportunity for faculty and professional staff to hone their leadership skills and create conditions for positive change in a higher education context. Through this program, participants expand their capacity to drive innovation in their respective fields and across the institution.

Presented by The Beth E. Mooney for Transformative Leadership and the Weston Ideation Lab, the LIFT program is an eight-month intensive, highly-focused opportunity for up to 16 fellows, combining engagement with internal and external leaders and innovation theory research with opportunities to practice what is learned in the higher education environment.

Apply to the LIFT Program

Applications will open in July 2026 for the 2027 cohort, which will run from January through October 2027. Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET Oct. 16, 2026.

Learn more here.