The Leadership Lexington Steering Committee looks forward to reviewing your application. Leadership Lexington is a professional organization and the committee anticipates that applicants will provide applications that have been prepared with care, including proofreading and adherence to any guidelines outlined in application. The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, May 15th by 5 p.m.
Note: You should be able to save your progress and come back to this form. However, it is strongly encouraged that you make a copy of your long answers in case of an error in saving this form. Before you submit your application, ensure all parts of the application are completed in full.
ELIGIBILITY:
Residents and individuals who work in the Lexington area are eligible to apply for Leadership Lexington. Applicants must be employed by firms or organizations that are active members of Commerce Lexington.
SELECTION:
Participants will be chosen by the Leadership Lexington Steering Committee based upon the information provided and the completeness of the application. Leadership Lexington is a highly competitive program for which not all may be accepted.
A holistic, competitive evaluation process is considered when selecting the Leadership Lexington Program participants. Applicants are scored based on submitted application materials, selection committee discussion, and evaluation. The makeup of each year’s class is intended to reflect the diversity of our community.
Applicants will be notified by letter about this year’s class selection by mid-July.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE:
Leadership Lexington is an eleven-month program involving a mandatory overnight orientation retreat scheduled for August 1 & 2 then a full-day session lasting nine hours each month from September through June. Classes meet in different locations around the community each month exploring a major topic covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, group activities, demonstrations, and class discussions. Topics addressed include government, education, equine, public safety, economic development, arts, health and human services, and leadership development. At the end of the Leadership Lexington program year a graduation is held in recognition of the class with an alumni reception following.
ATTENDANCE:
Leadership Lexington requires a strict time commitment. Leadership Lexington is a leadership program administered by Commerce Lexington and directed toward individuals who demonstrate leadership qualities. With the honor and privilege of being a Leadership Lexington class member is the responsibility of punctuality and wholehearted participation. Day sessions begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will run until 5:00 p.m. Class members must attend a minimum of 80 percent of all monthly sessions to graduate from the program. The overnight orientation retreat is mandatory in an effort to develop cohesion of the group from the onset of the program. The community project will take additional time outside of the class sessions and participation in the project is a requirement to graduate from the program. The community projects serve as a crucible where class members will practice and apply leadership skills in a small-group experience, work with community leaders, gain an in-depth understanding of a community organization and/or community need, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Project work is done outside of regular day sessions and meeting times and locations are determined by project group members. Please take all the requirements into consideration before applying for the program.
REPORTING ABSENCES:
If you are unable to arrive at the session on time or must be absent for a part of or an entire day, you are expected to contact the program director regarding your absence or tardiness, preferably before the class day. Absences may be reported by email or phone message to the program director.
TARDINESS OR ABSENCES:
- 30 minutes tardiness = ½ day
- Any one hour segment of morning or afternoon session = ½ day
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
It is understood that life presents last-minute circumstances or unpredictable situations over which one has no control, e.g. such as births, deaths, accidents or surgeries. The required 80% (2 day sessions) attendance standard allows for such things as illness and business conflicts.
2024-2025 Leadership Lexington Calendar (Tentative)
Sessions generally fall on the second Thursday of each month.
Overnight Orientation at Historic Boone Tavern
August 1 & 2, 2024
Day Sessions: 8:00am - 5:00pm
September 12, 2024
October 10, 2024
November 14, 2024
December 12, 2024
January 9, 2025
February 13, 2025
March 13, 2025
April 10, 2025
May 8, 2025
Reflection and Graduation: June 12, 2025
Please make certain you are willing to commit the expected time and full engagement level before applying. Individual engagement contributes greatly to the overall experience for the group.
**If you are unable to make the necessary time commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply.
APPLICATION FEE:
A $25.00 non-refundable application fee is due by May 15, 2024.
PAY APPLICATION FEE ONLINE HERE
TUITION:
If accepted into Leadership Lexington, you and/or your company or organization will be obligated for the tuition fee of $2000. This will cover all program costs including orientation lodging, meals, materials, supplies, and charter bus transportation throughout the year. Tuition payment will be due prior to Orientation. A limited number of need-based partial scholarships are available, with special consideration given to representatives of non-profit organizations and small/independent businesses.