FLP: Freshman Leadership Program

The Freshman Leadership Program (FLP) is MIT’s oldest and largest pre-orientation program that consistently challenges and nurtures incoming freshmen, year after year.

Disclaimer: Do not be deceived by the title. FLP is not your typical leadership program. Those seeking resume critiques and goal setting sessions need not apply.

FLP takes a dynamic, fresh approach to developing personal leadership qualities. By tackling real world issues, the program enables students to learn about the viewpoints of their fellow campers while helping them define their own strengths, opinions, and sense of self. FLP encourages all to get messy, take chances, and make mistakes! We recognize leaders as not only those who hold an office or receive recognition, but more importantly, as all those who work to better their environment. By the end of FLP, each camper walks away with a feeling of accomplishment and strong bonds with 60 other freshman, ready to confidently begin their MIT college experience.

Quotes of past participants:

“Freakin’ awesome time!! I have never had as much fun or looked deeper inside of myself than at FLP.”

“It is an experience that will take freshmen places they did not think themselves capable of reaching. It will help instill a sense of confidence so that students are prepared to tackle the rigors awaiting at MIT.”

“By nature, we can have a tendency to see the world in black and white, to overlook the deeper complexities that make us who we are. But FLP reminds me to keep on challenging myself, as well as other people, to ask more questions and make fewer assumptions. With such a diverse gathering of students from all around the country and the world, FLP is that unique place where everyone can add a little more color to their big picture.”

“1000% Satisfaction!”

“It is unbelievable. If there is one thing that will pump you up for college and begin the transformation you will experience over the next four years, FLP is it!

“This far into the term I still consider FLP to be one of my best experiences. The program gave me time to reflect upon high school and the years before, something I don’t believe many people do before diving into the school year. It also prompted me to considering FLP, I wholeheartedly encourage you to apply. Jump in and make as many friends as possible, you can’t imagine how much fun it is to know seventy faces on campus right off the bat.”

“If I hadn’t done FLP freshmen year, I’d be regretting it to this day.”

 

What Will We Do?

While there are many dimensions of leadership, FLP focuses on how leaders should be cognizant of a variety of social and moral issues in establishing inclusive communities. Campers at FLP will be challenged in a variety of settings, including large-group activities and discussions, team-building challenges, and small group meetings. FLP is an excellent opportunity to learn about yourself, your peers, and MIT.

The program is designed to develop leaders on campus who are interested in making a difference in the MIT community. FLP alums have gone on to have very successful and fulfilling experiences at MIT and in the years after. Some of their accomplishmnets include:

• Service as Presidents of the Undergraduate Association, cultural club chairs, and fraternity/sorority presidents.
  
  
• FLP Alumni elected into numerous student government positions in the Fall of 2006.
  
  
• Founders of global service and engineering organizations such as ENGhana and ENGIndia and on-campus current affairs groups such as the Forum on American Progress.
  
  
• And many more! FLP Alum have the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles across MIT campus and beyond!
  

FLP Specifics

• Dates: Tuesday, August 19 through Saturday, August 23.
  
• Place: Thompson Island, Boston Harbor
  
• Available Spaces: 60
  
• Cost: $300 The cost includes transportation, housing, all meals and supplies.
• Special Information: Please pack a bathing suit, if you are interested in participating in any water sports, suntan lotion, bug spray and appropriate clothing for New England evenings. Additional information will be mailed upon acceptance.

For more information, pictures, and quotes, check out our website at :
http://web.mit.edu/flp/.