Cohort 4 Launching Spring Semester 2026
The Wilberforce Leadership Program is a 2-year journey into the question of “What is a life well lived?” at the intersection of faith and work.
Semester 1: theology of work: Understanding vocation
Semester 2: Gospel Formation: Purpose & Identity
Semester 3: Wisdom for Life: Navigating Life in the real world
Semester 4: Leading Yourself and Others: living with intention
Spring 2026 Schedule
We will meet from 4 - 5 pm on Thursdays for a time of teaching and discussion.
Spring Schedule
Week 1: The Four-Chapter Gospel: What Story Are We Living In?
Week 2: The Meaning of Vocation: Responding to God’s Call
Week 3: Creation: God’s Design for Human Work
Week 4: Fall: Work Becomes Toil
Week 5: Redemption: Exiles in Babylon
Week 6: Consummation: Heralds of the Garden City
Week 7: Work in a Technological Society: Today’s Unique Challenges
Week 8: Spiritual Rhythms that Sustain: Finding Balance and Avoiding Burnout
Week 9: Vocational Discernment: What Am I Going to Do With My Life?
Week 10: Christian Leadership: Spirit-filled Service
In addition to these weekly meetings, there will be a Vision Retreat in February and the opportunity to attend occasional dinners and lunches with Christian practitioners. Apply at the link below. Please contact Will Spokes at will@ncstudycenter.org with any questions.
About the Wilberforce Leadership Program
WLP Goals
The Wilberforce Leadership Program (WLP) equips undergraduate students to live coherent lives of deep faith, thoughtful influence, and service. We explore the meaning of work, encourage students to assess their own unique gifts, and connect students with like-minded practitioners in diverse spheres of life. Our hope is to see students serve and lead at Carolina and beyond.
Who is involved
Along with staff from the North Carolina Study Center, a steering committee of practitioners in the UNC community has provided helpful advice.
Supplemental resources available to WLP participants
Access to growing alumni database for internship and job connections
Peer Mentorship through Student Advisory Council
Mentorship opportunities through The 12 & Lydia Group
Resume, LinkedIn, Application coaching
Study Center staff support & guidance
Personality, gifting, strength assessment & tools
WLP SUMMER
Students have their choice to apply for summers where they can exhibit leadership in the marketplace or nonprofit sector. Past students have worked with Bank of America, Sovereigns Capital, Young Life camps, Edify, Middleground Capital, Northwestern Mutual, and various other challenging and rewarding opportunities.
The summer of 2026 is offering a Mission House in Nairobi, Kenya, where students work or volunteer for a month in education, medicine, or business while having an immersive experience in Kenya. Find out more about the WLP Mission House here.
Regardless of their internship, students are encouraged to approach their work thoughtfully alongside industry advisors, Study Center staff, and coaches from the UNC faculty, student, and practitioner community.
Students meet over Zoom during the summer, pooling experiences and encouraging one another. At the end of the summer, students are taught to reflect constructively on their summer and to consider what they have learned about God, his mission, and themselves.
Program Priorities
Give students an expanded vision for mission and work
Encourage students to assess their own gifts, personal trajectory, and vocations
Connect students with one another and with a network of motivated practitioners
Teach students to glorify God in their spheres of influence.
WLP leadership students on a vision trip to Atlanta in November of 2021.
Questions?
If you have questions or want to discuss the Wilberforce Leadership Program
further, please contact Madison Perry at madison@ncstudycenter.org
or Connor Porco at connor@ncstudycenter.org.