An MIT Alumni Association Publication

Learn more about the Community Catalyst Leadership Program (CCLP).

After Alan Spoon ’73, SM ’73 spent a few years in the professional world, he often wondered how he could have been a more effective leader, especially earlier in his career, perhaps even as an MIT student.

“I always thought about how much it could have helped had I gotten some coaching earlier in my career, especially about leadership,” says Spoon, a member of the MIT Corporation who was president of the Washington Post Company from 1993–2000. “I thought, ‘Why not teach kids about effective leadership at 19 or 20, rather than have them learn about it for the first time when they’re in their late 20s?”

Spoon, a longtime MIT volunteer, put his idea into action when he cofounded the Community Catalyst Leadership Program (CCLP) with his wife, Terri. CCLP connects MIT alumni and students in a coaching relationship designed to help students grow as leaders and reach their personal and professional goals.

Since 2007, hundreds of MIT alumni have participated in the program and formed relationships that are equal parts coaching, mentoring, and friendship with undergraduate students.

CCLP cofounder Alan Spoon and Vrajesh Modi '11, SM '15, MBA '15

“The personal journey of an MIT student is special—not everyone understands,” says Ken Zolot SM ’95, a CCLP coach and MIT senior lecturer. “The students immerse themselves in real-world principles and they get a real running start on leadership.”

And leadership is such an overlooked aspect. We know how to teach them calculus, but leadership is much trickier.”

Here’s how CCLP works: an MIT alumnus is connected with a sophomore for a two-year commitment that includes monthly one-on-one coaching sessions during the academic year and quarterly leadership workshops on campus.

“I did some past mentoring that wasn’t as involved or as rewarding,” says CCLP coach Amanda Bligh ’02. “The structure definitely makes it more likely to be a success. It gives it time for the relationship to evolve from formal to personal.”

Bligh and her student, Efe Akengin ’18, agree that, on the surface, they have very little in common. Bligh, a Course 2 major, lived in Random Hall on maker-centric East Campus, and Akengin, an international student from Istanbul, is business-focused and lives in the West Campus dorm, Masseh Hall.

Hundreds of alumni and students have participated in CCLP since 2007, including Catherine Williamson '19 and Subbu Subramanian SM '77, ScD '78.

“Before CCLP, nearly all of my mentors were Turkish or Muslim, and male,” Akengin says. “I’m thankful to have a coach from a different background who can challenge my ideas with a new perspective. It’s been incredibly helpful.”

The one-on-one coaching sessions are tailored by the coach and student to best meet the student’s leadership goals.

“I leave every one of our sessions inspired,” says Tiffany Dennen ’93, who coaches Andrew Bent ’18. “I learn about what MIT students are up to and it gets my neurons firing about what I could be doing as well. We get creative, brainstorm, and solve problems.”

Many meet over meals and coffee and discuss topics ranging from monthly book choices to job opportunities after graduation. And the quarterly workshops, organized by the Division of Student Life, connect all students and coaches on topics like professional integrity and handling difficult conversations.

“We talk about anything and everything,” says Bent. “CCLP isn’t just giving you an alumni mentor in a specific context, it’s giving you friends, advisors, and sounding boards. It’s like building a board of advisors for your life.”