Leadership Fort Collins 2026-27 Application

Leadership Fort Collins, a program of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, was established in 1981 to inform participants about the history, government, economy, social issues, needs and opportunity in our community.

The program is designed to broaden participant knowledge of the community while enhancing leadership skills, encourage contribution to the betterment of the Fort Collins community, increase the strength and effectiveness of community leaders, equip participants to respond to the current and future challenges of the community and to provide opportunities for direct contact with influential people, businesses and organizations while achieving the goal of educating and motivating leaders who are committed to shaping the future of our community.

Thirty current and emerging leaders from throughout the Fort Collins area will be selected to participate in the 2026-2027 program, which will begin in September 2026 and conclude in May 2027. Participants come together on the second Thursday of the month for a day-long session to learn about local government; public safety and community assistance; economic development and small business assistance; health care; education; and teambuilding and leadership development through a group project completed during the program.

In addition to the Leadership Fort Collins programming, completion of the experience opens the door for class members to access a new partnership between the Fort Collins Area Chamber and Colorado State University School of Business. Discounted tuition benefits to CSU School of Business classes expands the opportunity for Leadership Fort Collins alumni to continue their learning and leadership quest with a valued partner.

Important Information - Please Read Before Signing
• Applicants must (1) reside and/or be employed in the Fort Collins area and (2) be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

• Leadership Fort Collins requires full participation. Only those willing to thoughtfully and completely fill out an application, participate in a class project and attend and participate in all nine (9) program sessions and the orientation need apply. The class will meet on the second Thursday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from September through May with the February session being on February 11th from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Orientation being on Thursday, September 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Class members are expected to attend each session in its entirety and will be required to spend additional time outside of class (10-20 hours) completing group projects.

• Session topics throughout the year include: Local Government; Public Safety and Community Assistance; Economic Development and Small Business Assistance; Health Care; Education; and Teambuilding and Leadership Development. Session topics may be revised by the Steering Committee to best serve the needs and goals of the participants.

• The tuition for the nine-month program is $950 and covers all meals, session materials and graduation recognition. The tuition is due on October 8, 2026 and may be paid by the applicant, by the applicant’s employer or sponsor, or a combination thereof.

• Membership in the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is not a requirement for participation in the program.

• All applicants not selected for the 2026-2027 program may apply for a future Leadership Fort Collins class, but applications are not held from year to year or automatically resubmitted.

I acknowledge that I have read the important information and agree/understand all items.

The Steering Committee will provide an excellent program for the benefit of the participants. It is understood that any applicant accepted for the program will attend all the sessions in their entirety. Please review the schedule below and take into consideration your time commitments before applying.

Session 1: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Orientation: Thursday, September 17, 2026 (10am to 1pm)
Session 2: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Session 3: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Session 4: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Session 5: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Session 6: Thursday, February 11, 2027 (5am to 6pm)
Session 7: Thursday, March 11, 2027
Session 8: Thursday, April 8, 2027
Session 9: Thursday, May 13, 2027
Graduation: Thursday, May 20, 2027 (evening celebration)

In addition, class members are expected to spend approximately 10-20 hours outside of class working on their class project.

I will attend all sessions if selected and aware of the commitment required by LFC AND have permission from my employer to be away from work as required by the program.

Applicant Information

Full Name (as you'd like listed in program materials and name badge)

First NameLast Name

Employer (as you'd like listed in program materials and name badge)

Title

Email

example@example.com

Business Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Business Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Cell Phone Number (to be shared with program participants)

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

How long have you lived/worked in the Fort Collins area?

Application Questions

Special Note: We understand you may use AI tools to help draft your application responses. We ask that the information you share is in your voice. We especially value responses that demonstrate originality and your individual perspective.

Why do you want to be a part of Leadership Fort Collins? (Limit to 150 words per essay question)

0/150

What do you believe are the most important issues facing Fort Collins and what role does leadership serve in solving these challenges? (Limit to 150 words per essay question)

0/150

What specific knowledge do you hope to gain from participating in Leadership Fort Collins, and how will you use that knowledge to benefit the community? (Limit to 150 words per essay question)

0/150

Briefly describe a recent experience working in a group environment. Describe how you used your leadership skills in that environment. (Limit to 150 words per essay question)

0/150

Scholarship Request (Optional) - Tuition is $950 per person and covers all meals, session materials, graduation recognition and administration costs of the program. Leadership Fort Collins will be providing partial scholarship opportunities for individuals participating in the 2026-2027 program. In order to be considered for a scholarship, state how much you are requesting in assistance and why you qualify for this assistance.

Please upload your current resume

Thank you for applying for the 2026-27 Leadership Fort Collins program - don't forget to attach your resume (incomplete applications won't be considered) and click Submit button below!

All complete applications will be considered and you will be contacted by Amanda Miller Nye, LFC Program Manager.

Applicants will be scheduled for a brief interview with members of the LFC Steering Committee. Interviews will be held at The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce on August 17, 18, 19 and 20.

The 2026-2027 LFC Class will be selected on August 24th and all applicants will be notified of their status by August 25th.

Thank you again for your interest in the Leadership Fort Collins Program!