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SOL is a nationally recognized, intensive 12-month leadership program for students who are interested in complex social and political issues and the art of implementing systemic political change. SOL’s three-stage structure includes a preparation (gateway) course in the spring, an immersive summer experience with a community partner, and a follow-up (capstone) seminar in the fall. Throughout, students participate in a structured process of critical reflection on the ethical, intellectual and personal aspects of their community-based research project. This reflection helps them discern ethical issues and leadership dilemmas inherent in their work.

We believe that leadership is honed through meaningful service and thoughtful engagement with communities. Students collaborate with community partners to design field-based service and research projects that are well-grounded in the context to address community needs. From experience, this model enables students to develop their own leadership skills and do so in a manner that is respectful of the communities.


Latest SOL Stories

Apply Now for SOL!

The application for SOL (Service Opportunities in Leadership) 2023 is now live! Apply here: https://duke.is/26gjs Applications are due by Thursday, October 6th at 5pm.

2021 SOL Students Create Poetry in the Gardens

On a lovely spring day in April, Professor Kaligotla and her students met for class in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens with its verdant welcoming space open after a year-long closure due to COVID-19.  

Read more stories about Service Opportunities In Leadership
SOL Pages