DePaul University’s Vincent on Leadership: The Hay Project has opened applications for the Autumn 2026 session of its Values-Centered Leadership Online Certificate, Level I. The free, 10-week online course will run from September 14 through November 22, 2026, and applications must be submitted by August 15, 2026.
More than 3,300 participants from 91 countries have already completed the program, forming a growing international network of leaders serving nonprofit organizations, schools, faith communities, public institutions, government agencies, and other mission-driven sectors.
Leadership Inspired by Values and Mission
The course is connected with DePaul University’s broader Vincentian Leadership Model, which draws upon the legacy of Saint Vincent de Paul together with contemporary leadership research. The model seeks to make Vincentian values and practices relevant and useful for today’s leaders, helping them reflect on the relationship between personal development, mission, people, service, and the practical responsibilities of leadership.
The certificate program is designed to help participants explore the values, principles, and practices that can ground and strengthen their leadership. Its approach emphasizes development “from the inside out,” beginning with greater awareness of one’s own strengths, limitations, habits, and areas for growth.
Although especially relevant to members of the Vincentian Family and leaders of charitable and faith-based organizations, the course is open to participants from a wide variety of professional and organizational settings. It may be particularly valuable for ministers, educators, advisors, counselors, coordinators, team leaders, nonprofit professionals, public servants, and anyone seeking to strengthen an organization through mission-centered and values-based leadership.
What Participants Will Learn
During the course, participants will examine their own leadership strengths and areas for development, explore tools for building positive relationships, improve their effectiveness in personal and professional interactions, and prepare a personal action plan for continued leadership growth.
Topics addressed during the program include:
- Organizational leadership challenges
- Contemporary values-based leadership models
- Diversity and multicultural issues
- Ethical leadership and personal development
- Time and energy management
- Multiple intelligences in leadership
- Leadership coaching
- Managing conflicting values
- Developing a personal leadership action plan
According to surveys cited by DePaul University, 99 percent of previous participants reported gaining a greater understanding of values-centered leadership concepts and practices, while 89 percent said they could apply their new knowledge and leadership skills immediately. Participants also reported improvements in communication, conflict management, awareness of their strengths and areas for growth, and their ability to respond to diversity in the workplace.
A Flexible International Online Experience
The entire course takes place online in a private learning environment. Participants work through the material at their own pace, and there are no scheduled live sessions or required group meetings.
New course materials are made available each week. Participants should plan to dedicate approximately two to three hours per week to readings, exercises, reflection, and assignments. They are required to publish two short online posts each week in response to the course materials. Facilitators read these reflections and provide comments when appropriate.
Participants may also read and respond to contributions from other members of the international learning community, creating opportunities to encounter the experiences and perspectives of leaders from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
Those who successfully complete the required weekly work receive a certificate of participation and retain ongoing access to the course materials. No additional books or materials need to be purchased.
Course Information
Program: Values-Centered Leadership Online Certificate, Level I
Institution: DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Course dates: September 14–November 22, 2026
Application deadline: August 15, 2026
Duration: 10 weeks
Estimated commitment: Two to three hours per week
Format: Fully online and self-paced
Cost: Free
The course is offered without charge as part of DePaul University’s support for nonprofit and mission-driven leaders working to make a difference in communities around the world.
I have been retired for about 8 years as Corporate Director of HR; however, I’m currently the SVDP Council VP of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM. I’m very interested in continuing to learn for the benefit of those I serve as well as myself. I would really like this opportunity. Thank you.