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The Center for Leadership and Professional Excellence
A Holy Cross College Initiative in Partnership with the University of Notre Dame
What is the CLPE?
The Center for Leadership and Professional Excellence (CLPE) is Holy Cross College’s bold new investment in the future of work, located in the heart of downtown South Bend inside the reimagined South Bend Tribune building.
As a founding partner in the region’s new Tech and Talent Hub, CLPE was created in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and made possible through generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.
At its core, CLPE bridges the gap between a liberal arts foundation and the fast-moving demands of today’s workforce. Through flexible, accredited, and human-centered programs, we prepare students and professionals to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact—in their careers and their communities.
The CLPE Experience
Whether you are a student, professional, employer, or community leader—your journey starts here:
Students & High Schoolers: Earn career-ready credentials and college credit
Professionals: Upskill, reskill, or pivot your career with purpose
Employers & Organizations: Train and grow your team with custom programs
Communities: Access mobile education that comes to where you live and work
Modular, mission-driven programs that create real-world impact:
ACI Learning Tech Academy – Holy Cross Partnership
Through our partnership with ACI Learning Tech Academy, students who complete programs receive a university-backed certificate of completion, adding instant credibility to their training and amplifying their career story. This partnership combines ACI Learning’s hands-on IT and cybersecurity training with the academic reputation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame, giving you a professional edge that employers recognize and trust.
Click here to request information on Tech Academy training.
How we prepare you for career advancement:
- Beginner-friendly options with no prior IT experience required
- Hands-on virtual labs led by experienced instructors
- Small class sizes focused on practical skill development
- Certification-focused instruction aligned with CompTIA standards
- Career services support including resume and interview preparation
Programs Offered
IT Support Specialist
Build the core technical skills needed to support users, troubleshoot systems, and manage hardware, software, and networks in a help desk or IT support role.
- 6 Weeks
- CompTIA A+, AI Prompt Engineering
Computer User Support Specialist
Develop the customer-facing technical support skills organizations rely on to assist employees and clients with software, systems, and everyday technology challenges.
- 11 weeks
- CompTIA A+, AI Prompt Engineering, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
Network Technician
Gain the skills to install, configure, and maintain computer networks, ensuring reliable connectivity and secure infrastructure for modern organizations.
- 5 weeks
- CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+
Cyber Security Analyst
Learn how to monitor systems, identify threats, and help protect organizations from cyber attacks using industry-recognized security frameworks and tools.
- 7 weeks
- CompTIA Security+, CompTIA PenTest+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
All CLPE programs are built on Holy Cross College’s commitment to forming the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit.
Mobile & Modular
We come to you—schools, companies, and community sites—with just-right formats that adapt to your life.
Flexible & Responsive
Learn in person, online, or in hybrid models. We work around your schedule and goals.
Mentorship & Coaching
Every learner receives access to personalized guidance from experienced professionals.
Credit & Credentials
Earn Holy Cross academic credit and stack credentials toward degrees and career pathways.
Strategic Location. Regional Vision.
Housed in the historic Tribune building, CLPE is an anchor in South Bend’s Tech and Talent Hub—a collaborative space designed to advance:
- Economic opportunity and entrepreneurship
- Career development and upskilling
- Community-powered education and outreach
- Research and workforce innovation
Mobile & Modular
We come to you—schools, companies, and community sites—with just-right formats that adapt to your life.
Flexible & Responsive
Learn in person, online, or in hybrid models. We work around your schedule and goals.
Mentorship & Coaching
Every learner receives access to personalized guidance from experienced professionals.
Credit & Credentials
Earn Holy Cross academic credit and stack credentials toward degrees and career pathways.
Strategic Location. Regional Vision.
Housed in the historic Tribune building, CLPE is an anchor in South Bend’s Tech and Talent Hub—a collaborative space designed to advance:
- Economic opportunity and entrepreneurship
- Career development and upskilling
- Community-powered education and outreach
- Research and workforce innovation
Whether you are a lifelong learner, forward-thinking employer, or changemaker in your community—the CLPE is your launchpad for growth.