The Clifton Foundation is dedicated to research and education to find and develop the strengths of young people. We teach leaders and researchers to identify and develop strengths in young people. Each partner project has a ten-year goal for growth and impact. Our approach is personal, longitudinal, and experience-based. Top strengths researchers accumulate data and stories from schools across the country. Our mission is to report findings and take action on what works.
“Too much talent is wasted today in our schools and universities. Our future depends on finding and developing the strengths of young people.”
Connie Rath, President, The Clifton Foundation
OUR EVENTS
OUR INITIATIVES
CLIFTON STRENGTHS INSTITUTE
Each year 30-40 students are selected as Clifton Builders and 50-80 are selected as strengths coaches. The Clifton Strengths Institute at University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides leadership to these student groups.
GLOBAL BUILDER ALUMNI NETWORK
Students who demonstrate a unique mindset for building social impact and economic energy where none previously existed, and successfully complete a Builders program graduate into the Global Builder Alumni Network.
STRENGTHS LABS
The Clifton Foundation sponsors an annual strengths lab event that brings together like-minded individuals for a developmental experience.
OUR IMPACT WORLDWIDE
We currently have builders from the U.S., Colombia, and Mexico!
Watch some videos of our programs from Colombia, the U.S., and Mexico!
MEET SOME OF OUR
BUILDERS!
Eddie Sicilia
Founder & CEO, 2% Football
2021 UNL Builder Alumnus, U.S. 🇺🇸
“The Builders Program allowed me to delve deeper into understanding my unique traits, enabling me to apply them more effectively at work and in my personal life. Strengths has provided me with a way to better communicate and understand others’ points of view, positioning myself and my team for success.”
Paxton Brittingham
LINK x LOU Kansas City Lead
2019 UNL Builder Alumnus, U.S. 🇺🇸
“Being part of the UNL Builders program was a game-changer for me. It helped me turn my passion for entrepreneurship into a successful career with LINK x LOU. The support and resources were invaluable, and the experience deepened my connection with the community. I’m grateful for the growth and opportunities it provided.”
Sam Murphy
Asset Manager at Global Tank
2021 UNL Builder Alumnus, UNL, U.S. 🇺🇸
“The Builders Program has taught me the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and dedication. It’s about making a difference on a micro level, whether helping at the gym or being active in the UNL Unified Special Olympics. This program has empowered me to contribute meaningfully in all areas of my life.”
Builders empower Malaysian peers through Clifton Strengths
Twelve University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business students traveled more than 8,600 miles to Malaysia this spring for a hands-on leadership and coaching experience that left a lasting impression — both on them and the Malaysian students they guided.
Discovering Purpose: The Ikigai Fellows Program
The Ikigai Fellows Program, a collaboration between IKIGAI LAB and the Clifton Strengths Institute at UNL, is designed to help students uncover their purpose and align it with their professional and personal goals. This year, a cohort of Clifton Builder Fellows engaged in workshops, networking, and self-reflection to explore how their passions, talents, and values intersect with the needs of the world.
University Quick Pitch Competition Winners!
Brandy Bode, Johnny Liesveld, Taylor Streich, Jacob Hyder, Noah Koch, Leah Castillo, Emily Frech, Joseph Weinberger, Charlie Kubik
Congratulations to our current Clifton Builders for their victory at the University Quick Pitch Competition, held on November 7th, 2024.
ARE YOU A BUILDER?
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10,000
STUDENTS KNOW THEIR STRENGTHS
25
INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAMS
