Leadership DeKalb Class of 2027 Application

You may save this application at any time and come back to complete it later. If you have any questions, please email info@leadershipdekalb.org for assistance.
Leadership DeKalb is seeking applications for its Class of 2027. Applicants should be established or emerging leaders who:
- Are interested in learning more about DeKalb County and connecting with other leaders.
- Have a sincere commitment to and interest in serving DeKalb County and its contribution to the success of Georgia.
- Demonstrate leadership in their career, community, or civic pursuits.
- Are involved in boards, commissions, or other key volunteer/service roles, or intend to seek or currently hold public office.
Please complete the application and submit the $50 non-refundable fee to Leadership DeKalb by 5 pm on March 23, 2026 (Extended Deadline). Kindly note that your application for the Class of 2027 will not be processed until Leadership DeKalb receives payment of the application fee.

*This fee does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To pay the application fee online, please go to:

Application Fee

The tuition for the Class of 2027 is $3,950. Payment plans are available and additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Those who are interested in being considered for a scholarship should complete the Scholarship Application located at the end of this form.
All fields marked with an * are required and must be completed.
First Name*
Last Name*
Name I prefer to be called (if different)
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
American Indian or Alaskan NativeAsian/Pacific IslanderBlack or African AmericanHispanic/LatinCaucasianMultiple Ethnicity/OtherPrefer Not to Answer
Gender Identification (optional)
Preferred Pronouns (optional)
*This information lets us track our commitment to creating a diverse class. LD does not discriminate based on any protected characteristics.
Home Address *
City*
State*
ZIP Code*
Preferred Phone Number*
Format: 000- 000-0000.
Preferred Email*
example@example.com

EDUCATION

Rows	School Name	Year Graduated
College/University
Other College/University attended
Other Institute attended if not traditional college
High School

Current or Previous Employer*
Job Title*
Dates of Employment (start and end):*
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER INVOLVEMENT (do not include professional/business affiliations in this section): List up to five community, civic, government, social, athletic or any other activities in which you have played an active leadership role. Please note any awards or recognition you may have received:*
NoYes
Name of Organization:
Nominators Name - if applicable
Nominators Phone
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Nominators Email
example@example.com
Nominators LD Class Year - if known
Please provide the names and contact details of two references, excluding your Nominator: *
I live in DeKalb CountyI work in DeKalb CountyOther (if other, let us know more)
Please let us know more about your connection to DeKalb County
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS AFFILIATIONS: Please list the organization, your role, and any activities, distinctions, honors and awards you may have received. *
NoYes
If Yes, what year?
YesNo
List Leadership Programs you have completed and when you participated:
Please identify what you feel are the top three issues facing DeKalb County:*

0/100
You're almost there! The essay section below is the last step in your application. Reminder: You may save your progress and come back to finish it at your convenience. We'll email you a link to access your saved application.
Please respond to each of the following questions:

Your responses to the essay questions are an important part of our selection process and provide valuable insight into your perspectives and experiences. To ensure fairness and alignment with our program objectives, these responses are given significant weight during the review process. Each essay should be no more than 300 words.
All of us face ethical dilemmas - please describe an ethical dilemma you have experienced and discuss how you managed the situation. This can be a situation where you felt you had to stand alone in a decision or a situation where you took an unpopular stance for the right reasons.*

0/300
Each of us has a unique set of skills and personal and professional experiences that shape our careers. What are the 'superpowers' you bring to Leadership DeKalb, and how can they help other leaders grow?*

0/300
Please tell us about your last project you owned that you were really proud of.*

0/300
Yes, I would like to apply for a scholarship to the Class of 2027.No
Leadership DeKalb is committed to fostering inclusive leadership by alleviating financial barriers that may prevent individuals from participating in our leadership program. A limited number of partial scholarships are available to those individuals who may not otherwise be able to participate due to financial limitations. A designated committee will review all scholarship applications. Each request will be evaluated with confidentiality, fairness, and a commitment to supporting eligible candidates. To receive consideration, questions must be answered completely and accurately.
- Scholarships are not granted to all who apply.
- If a scholarship recipient defers their acceptance to the following Class year, they must submit a new scholarship application.
- Immediate family members of the Leadership DeKalb Selection Committee and Board of Directors are not eligible for scholarship assistance.
Full-TimePart-TimeSelf-EmployedRetiredOther
Please explain your employment status:*
15%20%30%40%50%0% Clear Previous Selection
Scholarships are limited to those who may not otherwise be able to participate in the program due to financial limitations. To help us better determine scholarship awards, please describe in 150 words or less why you are requesting a scholarship. *

0/150
LEADERSHIP DEKALB PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
The Leadership DeKalb Program runs from August - June. Class sessions are typically held on Thursdays each month from approximately 8:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. While Class members are expected to attend all Program Days, we understand unusual circumstances may require a class member to miss a program session. However, if more than two program sessions are missed, the candidate may not graduate from the Leadership DeKalb Program. Class members must communicate with Leadership DeKalb in advance if a session will be missed.

Leadership DeKalb also requires class members to attend the Opening & Closing Retreats. The overnight Opening Retreat will be September 17-18, 2026. The overnight Closing Retreat will be June 3-4, 2027. These dates are subject to change. Attendance at both retreats is mandatory.

Additional program requirements will include participation in Small Groups and an immersive experience outside the Program Days. These requirements enrich the overall learning process of Leadership DeKalb.

Our program requires a meaningful commitment of time and energy from each class member. Participants are expected to engage fully in the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2027 Program to gain the greatest benefit from the experience. If you cannot make this commitment, we encourage you to re-apply at a later date when your schedule can accommodate the program requirements.

Please click here to view the Class of 2027 Program Day Schedule.
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You may save this application at any time and come back to complete it later. If you have any questions, please email info@leadershipdekalb.org for assistance.

All fields marked with an * are required and must be completed.

You're almost there! The essay section below is the last step in your application. Reminder: You may save your progress and come back to finish it at your convenience. We'll email you a link to access your saved application.

Please respond to each of the following questions:

LEADERSHIP DEKALB PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS