Image courtesy Washburn University

Washburn University’s Aleshire Center for Leadership & Community Engagement will host 200 high school and college students February 26–27 for the 16th annual Washburn Leadership Challenge Event® (WLCE®). Some participants are traveling from as far away as Virginia to join the two-day leadership competition.

This year, 38 teams from four states will take part, supported by over 170 volunteers from the Topeka community, including Washburn faculty, staff, and students.

The event gives students hands-on experience with real-world leadership challenges. On February 27 at the Maner Conference Center, participants will complete planning exercises, written tasks, and team decision-making activities, interacting with volunteers role-playing community stakeholders. Judges evaluate leadership skills, and students present and defend their decisions.

The competition concludes with an awards ceremony at Hotel Topeka at City Center, recognizing top teams and exceptional performance in communication, collaboration, and leadership growth.

Student organizers raised $48,500 in sponsorships to support the event, a record for WLCE, keeping costs low for teams. The event began in 2011 with 15 teams.