Learning to Lead Academy Overview and Requirements:
We are pleased to invite individuals to apply for participation in the Learning To Lead class of 2026. This program is uniquely designed for individuals in mid and senior-level positions in nonprofit organizations. We will be selecting a diverse group of established and emerging community leaders for the twenty-third (23) class of Learning to Lead. This program delivers an incomparable experience of intellectual, personal, and professional discovery and growth. The focus will be on providing participants with the tools, insights, and learning environment necessary to maximize their potential as a leader within their organization.
Specifically, participants will learn to:
- Identify the various styles and traits of leaders, while assessing their own styles and traits.
- Share strategies that allow participants to “stretch” beyond their current competencies and allow for the integration of new skills, including Effective Communication Skills; Team Building; Conflict Resolution; Decision making; Facilitation; Presentation Skills; and Positive Psychology in the workplace.
- Explore the role of the nonprofit leader as it relates to the satisfaction of its stakeholders; and
- Foster the development of a group learning process that enables each participant to find their own leadership voice, while establishing a network of colleagues and ongoing peer support to improve leadership skills.
Mid to senior-level managers who are in leadership roles within their organizations. The purpose is to help these leaders develop their abilities to get extraordinary things done. In order to attend, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- At least one year of supervisory experience, with at least one direct report within the organization.
- Ability to participate in the full program. The program is a 6-month curriculum, consisting of 6 full-day in person sessions, including an orientation and graduation. Attendance at orientation is MANDATORY and participants must attend a minimum of 5 sessions to graduate successfully.
- Reference letter from their Chief Executive Officer, or their designee.
The program is a 6-month curriculum, including an orientation and graduation ceremony. Orientation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026. Please refer to the schedule of activities for specific dates. Program activities will include experiential and educational programs, inventories, questionnaires, and surveys, learning activities, and reading assignments. Each participant will be required to participate through the use of homework and real-time feedback.
To graduate from the program, a participant is expected to attend all program activities. Program activities include Mandatory Orientation and five (5) additional full-day sessions from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. including Graduation. Below is a planned schedule of sessions, just keep in mind that changes may occur along the way.
An application is attached. We will be accepting a maximum of 25 applicants for this class. When choosing an applicant, it is recommended that the organization consider the role of the individual within the organization and their potential for influence and growth, the commitment of time required for participation, and the diversity of the organization. A tuition fee of $1,500 to cover the costs of orientation, assessment tools, graduation and all course materials is required for participation. Some sponsorship opportunities are available.
Please submit the application NO LATER than January 23, 2026.
Accepted applicants may not begin the program if the tuition is not paid in full.
All in person
- Friday, January 30, 2026 (MANDATORY ORIENTATION)
- Friday, February 27, 2026
- Friday, March 27, 2026
- Friday, April 24, 2026
- Friday, May 29, 2026
- Friday, June 26, 2026 (GRADUATION)
Questions?
Ready to apply?
If you are not ready to apply, please read below for the Learning to Lead Academy overview and requirements.
Payment
If you have been accepted into the 2026 Learning to Lead Academy cohort, please click below to submit your payment.
