Leading from the Middle

Collective Impact for Student Success

Leading from the Middle (LFM) is The RP Group's leadership development program for California community colleges. Through coaching, learning, and community, LFM helps middle leaders deepen their leadership identity, build relationships across roles and perspectives, and develop the skills and confidence needed to advance equity, strengthen their institutions, and improve student outcomes.

LFM at a Glance
1250
+

Mid-level leaders developed

200
+

Cross-functional college teams

84
%

Of California community colleges participated

13
+

Years of leadership development

200
+

Alumni returned as coaches

Leading from the Middle Academy team and participants standing side by side.

1,000+ 
leaders developed 
Leading from the Middle participants gathered in a circle conversing with each other.

200+  
Cross-functional college teams 
Leading from the Middle project team posing around their project.

84% 
of California community colleges have participated 
Leading from the Middle participants attentively listening to a speaker.

13+ 
years of leadership development 
The Leading from the Middle Academy Team.

200+  
Alumni returned as coaches 

Built by Middle Leaders, for Middle Leaders

Established in 2013, Leading from the Middle grew out of a simple observation: middle leaders were undertaking the work of institutional change every day, yet few leadership development opportunities were designed for the complexity of their roles.

Faculty, classified professionals, administrators, institutional researchers, project coordinators, and others often serve as the bridge between institutional vision and day-to-day practice. They build relationships, navigate complexity, influence without formal authority, and help move important work forward.

LFM was created to meet that need. More than 13 years later, it remains the only leadership development program in the California Community Colleges designed specifically for middle leaders.
Leading from the Middle project team working on a project.

Why Invest in Middle Leadership?

Middle leaders are uniquely positioned to connect vision to action, build relationships across roles, and move important work forward. They often serve as the bridge between institutional priorities and day-to-day practice.

Investing in middle leadership strengthens colleges’ ability to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and advance meaningful, equity-centered change.

Three Pathways for Leadership Development

Leadership development is not a single experience; it’s an ongoing journey. Whether you are developing your leadership, continuing to grow alongside peers, or learning from the work of colleagues across the system, LFM offers colleges pathways to support the growth of their mid-level leaders. 

LFM Academy

Develop Leadership

Grow as a leader through coaching and real-world practice.

Explore the Academy

LFM Alumni Network

Sustain Leadership

Leadership doesn’t end with the Academy.

Explore the Alumni Network

LFM Impact Series for Student Success

Amplify Learning

Learn from leadership in action.

View upcoming sessions

Past Participating Institutions

Since LFM's inception in 2013, 178 teams have completed the program. Over 1,000 instructional and counseling faculty, mid-level administrators, classified staff, and institutional researchers completing at least one LFM academy.

Please explore the interactive map below to see which colleges participated each year. Toggle the participation years on and off the map by clicking them in the legend.