PixelEvent
loading

Community Leadership Development

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Community Leadership Development

  • Program Code: 734
  • Credential: Diploma
  • Duration: Two Years
  • School of Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism
  • Area: Applied Arts
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: OPEN
APPLY NOW Compare To View Another Program
SHOW PROGRAM DETAILS:

Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Bay St. George - On Campus - September 2026

Empowering communities.
 
Effective community leaders bring people together. They help create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for individuals to thrive. They engage citizens, strengthen agency and foster community resilience.
 
Community leadership development involves working with community agencies, non-profit organizations, and both the public and private sectors, along with the people they represent. Effectiveness in community leadership requires specific core competencies such as communication and listening skills, public relations and marketing, cultural intelligence, financial and project management, board governance and ongoing personal and professional development. It means advocating for the needs and rights of community members and helping to build strong, cohesive communities.
 
With the Community Leadership Development program at CNA, you will explore different leadership styles, best practices and models used when coordinating service delivery, project management, and evaluating services while responding to a variety of community needs, including working with diverse populations.

In this exciting two-year diploma program, you will develop individual leadership capacity while exploring and researching social and economic situations in a community. You will explore skill development that includes communication skills, leadership development and problem-solving, with a goal of becoming an agent for change and empowerment.
 
Be a part of driving positive change – be a community leader.
 
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Certifications built into the program for immediate entry-level community leadership development work (Mental Health First Aid, CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • Covers topics such as family studies, working with an aging population, child and youth justice, disability studies, mental health and addictions
  • Participate in on-going group activities and community initiatives, and two field placements with an employer under the direction of a field placement supervisor
  • Gain hands-on experience with a non-profit organization through a field placement that supports day-to-day operations and community initiatives. *A requirement leading up to the field placement experience includes a current Certificate of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check. This is also required for volunteer opportunities within the program and by the field placement employers. 

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Community leadership programs help people build practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and decision-making while preparing them to address complex social issues in their communities.1
  • Inclusive, engaged local leadership is a key ingredient of community resilience, helping communities work together to solve problems and adapt to social and economic change.2

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
  1. Work effectively and professionally with communities to address current needs and issues (e.g. working with diverse populations, child and youth care, seniors and age-friendly communities, immigration, disabilities and inclusion, mental health and well-being, violence, addictions).
  2. Demonstrate leadership competencies with innovative approaches to problem-solving, decision-making and managing projects and/or community programs/services.
  3. Work effectively with individuals, families, groups and organizations, by having a foundational knowledge of the stages of human development and recognizing the value of social and cultural diversity.
  4. Contribute to non-profit organizational activities, including planning processes, volunteer engagement, advocacy efforts, and governance-related functions, as appropriate to the role.
  5. Utilize social media and technology for professional purposes, particularly with non-profit community-based organizations and their networking/stakeholder engagement activities.
  6. Research, organize, facilitate and manage community projects and initiatives.
  7. Demonstrate a capacity to act as change agents to amend conditions within communities.
  8. Communicate with proficiency, clarity, accuracy and confidence among groups and stakeholders.
  9. Write professional proposals, complete grant applications and fundraise secure funds and sustain existing initiatives and projects.
  10. Demonstrate by example the importance of self-care and healthy living while also exploring proactive measures towards mental health, well-being and healthy aging by lifelong learning and collaboration with others.
  11. Cultivate community partnerships, build relationships and raise awareness of common issues and goals among partners and stakeholders (e.g. non-profit organizations, government agencies and the private sector).

REFERENCES

[1] Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, "What Does Community Leadership Really Need?" (2015). https://www.banffcentre.ca/articles/what-does-community-leadership-really-need
[2] Municipal World, "Resilience and public engagement are key to the future" (2021). https://www.municipalworld.com/feature-story/resilience-public-engagement/

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT

  • Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Community Leadership Development diploma program may receive up to a maximum of 45 credits of transfer toward the 90 credits required for Cape Breton University's 3-year Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies degree program.
  • Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Community Leadership Development diploma program may receive up to a maximum of 60 credits of transfer toward the 120 credits required for Cape Breton University's 4-year Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies Major/Minor degree program.
  • Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Community Leadership Development diploma program, with a minimum GPA of 3.00/4.33 (B), may transfer into the third year of Royal Roads University's Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies degree program.
  • Gradauates of College of the North Atlantic's Community Leadership Development diploma program, who obtain an overall average of at least 70%, may apply for admission to Saint Mary's University's Bachelor of Arts degree program. Such gradutes may be granted up to 60 credit hours in a 120 credit hour program. Saint Mary's University requires 50% of a student's degree and 50% of a student's major be completed at Saint Mary's University.

Admission Requirements

1.  High School
Provincial High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% average in eight level 3000 credits or equivalent
2.  College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate
3.  Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4.  Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are at least 19 years of age at the time of application and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Additional Admission Requirement - Required Documentation
Certificate of Conduct
A clear Certificate of Conduct, including a vulnerable sector category, will be required. This Certificate can be obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and must be dated no more than three months prior to the first scheduled day of classes for the program. Please note that this documentation is required prior to online registration.

Please note:

  1. Factors contributing to student success within this program include the following: good writing skills, volunteer work and the enjoyment of helping others.
  2. Additional documentation may be required by organizations for field placements and volunteer activities.
  3. Students should be aware that additional fees apply for certifications.

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
CM1100 Writing Essentials 3 3 1
HR1120 Human Relations 4 4 0
LD1200 Intro to Human Services 4 4 1
LD2100 Community Development 3 3 0
PS1140 Psychology I 4 4 0
SC1110 Intro to Sociology 4 4 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
CM2100 Workplace Correspondence 3 3 0
CY1010 Intro to Mental Health Issues 3 3 0
FW1235 Field Placement Preparation 1 1 0
LD1120 Leadership Theory 3 3 1
LD1210 Media & Public Relations 3 2 2
PS1145 Psychology II 4 4 0
SC1130 Family Studies 4 4 0
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
FW1445 Field Placement I 5 5 wks 0
      (35 hrs/wk)  
LD1300 Professional Certifications I 0 2 wks 0
    (24 hrs/wk)  
Intersession hours are actual and will not be adjusted.      
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
LD1121 Leadership Practice 3 2 2
LD2220 Interviewing Skills 3 2 2
LD2250 Diverse Populations 4 4 0
LD2300 Intro to Social Research 3 3 1
PS2200 Development Psychology 3 3 0
Community Leadership Development Elective* 3 3 0
Elective (minimum credit value of 3) 3 3 0
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
CJ2110 Canada's Justice System 3 3 0
LD2110 Change Leadership 3 2 2
LD2400 Voluntary Non-Profit Sector 3 3 0
LD2500 Project Management 3 2 2
PS1200 Drugs & Behaviour 3 3 0
SC1240 Healthy Aging 3 3 0
Community Leadership Development Elective 3 3 0
         
Semester 6 Intersession Cr Le La
FW1451 Field Placement II 5 5 wks 0
      (35 hrs/wk)  
FW2801 Field Placement Reflection 1 1 wk 0
      (20 hrs/wk)  
LD2511 Professional Certifications II 0 1 wk 0
      (22 hrs/wk)  
Intersession hours are actual and will not be adjusted.      

*Community Leadership Development (CLD) Electives
 
Community Leadership Development (CLD) Electives include the following:
 
Semester 4:
CY1011 Intro to Child & Youth Care
CY1041 Mental Health & Addictions
DB2100 Intro to Disability Studies

Semester 5:
CJ2210 Youth Justice in Canada
DB2110 Disability Studies
PS1240 Understanding Addictions

 
Please note: Each CLD elective has a credit value of 3 (3 Le/0 La). One CLD elective is taken in Semester 4 and one in Semester 5. Please check the CLD elective offering/s at the campus you plan to attend and seek academic advice (e.g. course prerequisites) before registration.
 
General Elective Courses:
 
A list of general elective courses to be offered in the fourth semester will be made available prior to registration. Please check the general elective offering/s at the campus you plan to attend and seek academic advice (e.g. course prerequisites) before registration. Other courses may be chosen provided that:

 
  1. All prerequisites have been met,
  2. The course is offered during the semester,
  3. The maximum enrolment for the course is not exceeded,
  4. The student’s schedule can accommodate all scheduled classes for that course.

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Working within the human services field offers profoundly rewarding opportunities and work experiences. Graduates of the Community Leadership Development diploma program may find employment with diverse populations among a myriad of organizations and agencies within community, private and public sectors. This may include, but is not limited to, employment in the following areas:

  • Addiction Services 
  • Child and Youth Care       
  • Community Education      
  • Disability Services
  • Family Services
  • Mental Health & Wellness
  • Residential Support
  • Senior Wellness
  • Violence Prevention          
  • Youth Justice

FURTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Cape Breton University
1.  Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA will receive up to a maximum of 45 credit hours of transfer towards the 90 credits required for Cape Breton University's (CBU) 3-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree program. Students must meet CBU's entrance criteria and have obtained the CNA's minimum passing grade in all courses to be accepted for advanced standing and direct entry to CBU's BACS Degree Program.
OR
2.  Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA will receive up to a maximum of 60 credit hours of transfer towards the 120 credits required for Cape Breton University's (CBU) 4-year Bachelor of Arts Community Studies Major/Minor degree program.  Students must meet CBU's entrance criteria and have obtained CNA's minimum passing grade in all courses to be accepted for advanced standing and direct entry to CBU's BACS Degree Program.

Saint Mary’s University
Graduates who have completed the Community Leadership Development diploma program from CNA may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program at Saint Mary’s University (SMU). CNA students who meet SMU admission requirements and have obtained an overall average of 70% in their courses, may be granted up to 60 hours in a 120-credit hour degree program.
 

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $1,197.00 (per semester) $572.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Academics, Applied Arts & Tourism $4,581.00 (per semester) $2,291.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

News

Our Related News

View All News
TOP