Immerse yourself in the history and future of space exploration, discover your inner leader, and forge lasting friendships during an unforgettable spring break adventure in Houston, Texas. 

This engaging, all-expenses-paid, three-day seminar during spring break will introduce Carleton students to leadership and team-building concepts in the context of athletic, business, liberal arts, and STEM careers. Using historical frameworks, Carleton alum and renowned leadership expert Jeff Appelquist ’80 leads students through several exercises to discover their leadership traits and how to apply them on- and off-campus. Mr, Appelquist is also the author of Earthrise: Leadership Lessons from the Apollo Space Missions, the text used for this seminar.  

Participants will tour the Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Center, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) facilities. By the end of the seminar, students will have:

  • A deeper understanding of their personal leadership style.
  • Practical tools to lead effectively in a dynamic, global world.
  • A commitment to continuous personal and professional growth.

Seminar Details

  • Where: Houston, Texas
  • When: March 26 – 28, 2025
  • Hotel Information: Courtyard Houston NASA/Clear Lake
  • Cost: All costs including transportation, lodging and meals during the program are covered by Carleton College. 
  • Guest Speaker: Dr. Mark Timmerman ’80

Eligibility Requirements

  • All participants must be in good disciplinary and academic standing with the College 
  • Sophomore or Junior status
  • All majors are welcome 

After the program, students will demonstrate the knowledge they obtained by giving a short presentation at a Carleton Leadership Seminar reunion dinner. Plus, the concepts, practical tools, and insights gained from the trip will inspire participants to bring that energy to on-campus jobs, clubs, and organizations.

Application

All applicants will need to submit a résumé and cover letter to Handshake. The following prompts must be addressed in the cover letter:

  • Describe why you would like to attend the Carleton Leadership Seminar.
  • What skills do you hope to gain/learn from the seminar?
  • How are you currently involved on campus, outside of your academic work?
  • Why should the selection committee choose you?

Because of the competitive application process, we strongly encourage all applicants to visit the Career Center and work with a career coach or a student career assistant on your application materials. Applications are due by 11:59:00 p.m. CST on Sunday, February 9, 2025. 

Please contact Shannon Lehwald (slehwald@carleton.edu) with any questions.

Travel Policies & Procedures

In the interest of student safety, improved communication, and fiscal responsibility, the following policies and procedures exist for students traveling to Carleton-sponsored events:

  • All participants are required to complete a Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement form online. Any participant under the age of 18 must have the form completed by a parent or legal guardian. This form will be sent to all participants once the selection process is complete.
  • The necessary travel documents such as Driver’s License*, Visa*, Passport*, immunization records, etc. must be obtained before the College will make any travel arrangements. (*These must be authentic documents and not copies.)

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