The Illinois Changemaker Certificate Program is a leadership development opportunity open to all Illinois students. This multidisciplinary certificate program equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead transformative change by emphasizing inclusive leadership, systems thinking, and strategic action. Students will explore how to shift mindsets, challenge inequities, and foster collaborative environments that support values-driven change. Ideal for emerging leaders and change agents, this program prepares participants to become catalysts for meaningful cultural transformation.
The program is collaboration between the Counseling Center, Diversity & Social Justice Education, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, Illinois Leadership Center, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and Women's Resources Center.
Petitions for certificate recognition are due:
- Monday, December 1, 2025 (for Fall 2025 Graduation)
- Monday, March 23, 2026 (for Spring 2026 Graduation)
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Illinois Changemaker Certificate, participants are required to attend the following programs:
- Complete all 3 required programs for incoming students (ACE-IT, FYCARE, I-Connect)
- Complete 6 elective workshops, including:
- 1 bystander intervention program
- 2 allyship programs
- 2 interpersonal skill building programs
- 1 community leadership program
Participant attendance will be verified. Participants are responsible for following all attendance protocols outlined at the events to ensure they receive credit.
Note: Participants must attend 6 unique programs, including workshops offered by at least three (3) different offices, when completing their electives
Incoming Student Programming
Participants are required to complete all of the following incoming student programs:
Bystander Elective
Participants are required to complete at least 1 of the following bystander intervention programs:
- Disability Justice
- GUARD *Participation in this program is limited to current members of fraternities or sororities that are recognized by the University of Illinois and are affiliated with the Fraternity and Sorority Affairs office*
- ICARE Bystander Intervention
- Racial Justice Allies & Advocates 2.0
Allyship Elective
Participants are required to complete at least two (2) of the following allyship programs:
- LGBTQ+ Ally Training 101: Introduction to the LGBTQ+ community
- LGBTQ+ Ally Training 102: Becoming an Ally
- Racial Justice Allies & Advocates 1.0
- Supporting Survivors through STRIVE
- Spring 2026 Dates: Tuesday, March 10, 12-1pm
Interpersonal Skill Building
Participants are required to complete at least two (2) of the following interpersonal skill building programs:
- Consent is Sweet
- Spring 2026 Dates: Wednesday, 2/18, from 5 -6 PM @ WRC
- Exploring Sexual Projects
- Tuesdays at 7
Community Leader Elective
Participants are required to complete at least one (1) of the following community leader programs:
- Class & Classism
- Mental Health First Aid
- NARCAN Training
- Spring 2026 Dates: Wednesday, 2/18, from 12 - 1 PM @ WRC
- More options coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in the Illinois Changemaker Certificate Program?
Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students currently registered at Illinois are eligible to enroll in the program.
What is the recommended timeline to complete the Illinois Changemaker Certificate Program?
The Changemaker Certificate is structured so students can complete 1 elective each semester during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. However, there is no specific timeline for completing the certificate and students could complete it within a year.
Is there a particular order I need to complete the electives in?
No - students are welcome to complete electives in any order.
Does the Illinois Changemaker Certificate appear on my academic transcript?
No, but it can be included on your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.