Leadership Paducah Application 2026-2027

Leadership Paducah Application 2026-2027

"Experience the tradition of Leadership Paducah"
Thank you for your interest in the 2026-2027 Leadership Paducah Class #40!

Please read the Program Information and Guidelines prior to completing this application. If you are unable to make the necessary time commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply. Approximately 40 participants will be selected for the class. It is a competitive process and it is anticipated that not everyone who applies will be accepted. Not being included in this year's class is not necessarily a reflection of your abilities or leadership potential. Participants will be selected on the basis of past leadership experience, leadership potential, community volunteer experience, application and a passion to serve our community.

Leadership Paducah is a leadership development program coordinated by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce through our Leadership Center and was established in 1984. It is an 11-month program involving an overnight retreat and full day sessions from September through May with graduation in June. The program gives class members the opportunity to learn how the community runs for a broader and deeper perspective, visit many local sites, meet local and state leaders, develop and expand your network of contacts, improve your skills and meet life-long friends.

Applications MUST be submitted online by Friday, May 29, 2026, 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Notifications will be made via email no later than June 26, 2026. Participants will be chosen by a Selection Committee based upon the information provided and the completeness of the application.

NOTE: It is advised to complete your application in ONE session. It is strongly suggested that you review the questions, complete the answers in a Word document and copy and paste to this application. After the initial page, you may save your progress. IMPORTANT note: Make sure you receive the email (it will come from jotform.com) with a link to your document before closing out of the application.

Eligibility: Residents and individuals who live and/or work in the Paducah area are eligible to apply. First preference will be made to applicants who represent members of the Paducah Chamber.

Questions may be directed to Frank Bennett fbennett@paducahchamber.org or 270-443-1746.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name for Nametag
Email*
example@example.com
Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Cell Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
Business Category*
We want to ensure we choose a diverse group of leaders from various categories
Years in area*

Below, in third person, give us a brief biography to be used in the orientation booklet (150 words or less). Note: This information will be shared with your classmates and the community should you be accepted into the program.*

0/165
Employer Information
Employer*
Your job function/title*
Employer Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Employer Phone*
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Previous Employer #1*
Previous Employer #1 Position*
Previous Employer #1 Dates (From - To)*
Previous Employer #1 Reason for Leaving*

Education
High School*
College*
Years Attended*
Degree(s) Received
Additional Education
Extracurricular Activities
Honors/Awards

Community Involvement

Organization, Activities, Trade Associations, Professional, Civic - Please list in order of importance and community-wide events or organizations in which you are or have been involved. Include any leadership positions or special recognitions received
Organization/Activities - include dates and level of involvement

0/750

Letters of Recommendation - Must be in PDF format

Two letters of recommendation are required to support your application. These may be uploaded here.
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Recommendation Letter #1 from:
Name
Recommendation Letter #1 Email
example@example.com
Recommendation Letter #2 from:
Name
Recommendation Letter #2 Email
example@example.com
Essay Questions

Answer all three questions; limit each answer to 400 words
1. What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing the Paducah/McCracken County area today? Explain why and what recommendations you have for addressing these issues. *

0/400
2. How do you plan to use your experience as a member of the Leadership Paducah class?*

0/400
3. If you could give your 10-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?*

0/400

Scholarships Available - If applying for a scholarship, please check which one(s)

Small Business - provided by the Paducah Chamber. A scholarship of one-half of the tuition is available for a small business owner or designated employee of a small business with 15 or less employees. The business must have been a Chamber member in good standing for the previous two years. To apply for this scholarship, please include additional detailed information below explaining why you are applying.Non-Profit Organization - provided by the Rotary Club of Paducah. A scholarship of one-half of the tuition is available for a representative of a non-profit organization that is a member of the ChamberSelf-employed General Scholarship - provided by the Leadership Paducah Alumni Association. A scholarship for one-half of the tuition is available for an individual who is self-employed. To apply for this scholarship, please include additional detailed information below explaining why you are applying.African American Scholarship - provided by the McCracken County Community Career Endowment. A scholarship of up to 100% of tuition is available for an African American applying for the program. To apply for the scholarship, please include additional detailed information below explaining why you are applying.
Scholarship Application Requested Documentation - Must be in PDF format

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Please include a document explaining your request for a scholarship.

A scholarship recipient must be accepted into the program to receive the scholarship.

Any Leadership Paducah participant who accepts a scholarship and does not complete the program may be asked to reimburse the funds.
If you apply for a scholarship and do not receive one, would you be able to participate?

YesNo

Tuition

The tuition of $1,800 for Chamber members and $2,100 for non-Chamber members covers all required programming with meals, retreat, monthly Chamber breakfasts for the duration of session and materials. The annual Frankfort trip is optional and is a small additional fee. No reimbursements will be made to employers who pay the tuition for an employee who subsequently leaves their business during the program. An optional three-payment plan is available for Chamber member businesses only and must be requested. Payment plan installments are due on July 31 ($900), November 7 ($450) and January 2 ($450). If all payments are not received, applicant will not graduate.
Participant Commitment*

I understand the goals and commitments of the Leadership Paducah program. I have read the requirements and reviewed the meeting dates. If selected, I will devote the required time to the program.
Employer Commitment*

This applicant has approval and full support to participate in all the full day sessions required to complete the program. Note: This verifies the employer's understanding of attendance and the tuition requirements. An email will be sent to your supervisor confirming your application.
Employer/Supervisor Name*

First NameLast Name
Employer/Supervisor Email*
example@example.com
Should be Empty:

Leadership Paducah Application 2026-2027

Employer Information

Education

Community Involvement

Essay Questions