Early Bird Leadership Academy Application
The mission of the DeKalb Leadership Academy is to develop and cultivate all participants with a passion to serve our community through a dynamic learning experience that encourages self-discovery, fosters relationships, embraces differences and inspires stewards. The DeKalb Leadership Academy expands your network and further develops your leadership perspective through community exposure and engagement.
Selection
Selection into the DeKalb Leadership Academy will be based upon your: *Commitment to attending every full-day (8am-5pm), monthly session (10 total) *Desire to learn about the DeKalb County community and dedication to become more involved within it - at work, in government, in nonprofit organizations, etc. *Past, current, or future desire to volunteer in agencies directly benefitting DeKalb County *Ability to contribute to the overall experience of the DeKalb Leadership Academy: participating in the conversation, coming prepared to each class, asking questions and helping yourself and others get the most out of the academy *Knowledge or experience necessary to determine the issues present in DeKalb County along with the desire to be part of the change required to address those issues
Recommendation Forms
Three completed recommendation forms written by those familiar with your leadership, service or work activities, are required. Forward a link of the Confidential Recommendation Form to your references. Recommendation forms are due Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Applications Due Thursday, April 30, 2026
Apply early and understand an interview with the Leadership Academy Advisory Committee may be necessary. A maximum of 25 students will be accepted for the class. Admittance into the class may depend upon the need for diversity among several fields of work (i.e. banking, government, nonprofit, industry, education, etc.)
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2026-2027 Class Schedule
Please refer to the following dates to ensure you can fulfill the commitment for participation: 2nd Wednesday of each month beginning September 9th to June 9th. A complete schedule will be provided at the first session. A formal graduation will follow in June 2027. Attendance for every session is required. More information will be made available upon request.
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Name
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First Name
Last Name
Home Address
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Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Personal Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
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example@example.com
Length of Residency in DeKalb County
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Length of employment in DeKalb County
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Current Employer
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Date Began
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Work Address
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Work Phone
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Present Title or Responsibility
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Date Since Title or Responsibility
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Please list previous employers, responsibility, and start/end date
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What do you consider your highest responsibility, skill or career achievement to date?
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Please list your last three schools of education. Include name and city of school, degree, major, and start/end date.
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List up to four other community, civic, professional, business, religious, social, athletic, and other organizations of which you are or have been a member. Please list the organization, position, service hours/month, and start/end date.
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Please indicate any special recognition or awards received for volunteer/service activities.
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Explain your involvement or interest in getting more involved in the community
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Explain what you hope to gain from your DeKalb Leadership Academy Experience.
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In your judgement, what do you consider as a pressing challenge that needs to be addressed by the people of DeKalb County? Explain why and identify your recommendations for approaching and resolving the issue.
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What makes a great leader? Give examples of leaders that you've been around and how they were effective as a leader.
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Identify a leadership position you have held or currently hold, and why it is important to you. Describe at least one challenge that you have faced in a leadership role and how you addressed it. Leadership roles can be related to work, social groups, community groups, etc.
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Aside from the information provided on this application, what else would you like us to know about you that would be appropriate towards your acceptance into the program? Include any information about skills, background, past experiences, etc.
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References
Please list three personal references from individuals familiar with your leadership, service, or work activities. Include their name, email, and phone number.
Reference #1: Name, Email, Phone Number:
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Reference #2: Name, Email, Phone Number:
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Reference #2: Name, Email, Phone Number:
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Commitment for Participation
In order for the DeKalb Leadership Academy to accomplish its mission and objectives, the full participation of each individual selected is required. This includes one full day per month for the duration of the program, a fundraising event and participation in a service project with your fellow classmates. Attendance is mandatory at all 10 monthly sessions, fundraiser, class project and graduation.
I will be able to fulfill this time commitment.
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Yes
I have the full support of my employer and family for the time to participate in DeKalb Leadership Academy
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Yes
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Finances and Scholarships
If you are accepted into the DeKalb Leadership Academy, you or your company/sponsoring organization will be billed for the special early bird tuition fee for $1,150 ($100 savings) for Chamber members, which is due and payable by August 3, 2026. Payment plans will be considered if needed.
Tuition bill should be sent to
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Applicant
Sponsor
Partial scholarships are available on a limited basis. Are you in need of tuition assistance?
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Yes
No
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Applicant Signature
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