Leadership Effingham 2027 Cohort Application

Effingham County Chamber Leadership Effingham 2027 Cohort Application

Complete each section, upload required documents, add signatures, and submit your application for the 2026–2027 Leadership Effingham class. The deadline to submit a completed application and all related documents is close of business on Tuesday, August 18.

Before You Submit

Program Tuition
Leadership Effingham tuition covers program materials, orientation, the retreat, eight class days, Effingham Day at the Capitol*, commencement, and other scheduled program expenses.

Tuition is $735 for employees of Effingham County Chamber member organizations in good standing, employees of nonprofit organizations, and community volunteers. Tuition is $895 for applicants affiliated with nonmember organizations and includes a $200 credit toward a one-year individual Chamber membership.

A minimum 50% deposit is due upon acceptance, with the remaining balance due no later than September 15. Employers are often willing to pay some or all of the tuition.

*Effingham Day at the Capitol
The Chamber will cover designated program expenses and accommodations for one representative from each assigned team. Additional team members may attend without an additional program fee but are responsible for their own accommodations and personal travel expenses. All accommodations must be reserved through the Chamber’s designated room block.

Time Commitment
Leadership Effingham includes orientation, a retreat, eight class days, Effingham Day at the Capitol, commencement, a class service project, leadership readings, and occasional assignments. Attendance and active participation are required.

Employer Support
Applicants must have the support of their employer or sponsoring organization. Employer approval confirms support for the participant’s time commitment but does not necessarily indicate that the employer will pay tuition.

Application Requirements
A complete application, professional résumé, applicant signature, and employer or sponsoring-organization approval are required. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.

Basic Information

Last Name

First Name

Preferred Name

Present Employer

Business Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip CodeCountry

Business Phone

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

Business Email

example@example.com

Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip CodeCountry

Mobile Phone

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

Date of Birth

Date

Gender

What is Your Connection to Effingham County?

Total Years Lived or Worked in Effingham County

Professional Background

Résumé

Significant business or professional affiliations, awards, or recognitions not included on the résumé

Other education or training

Occupational or professional certifications or licensure

Leadership Perspective

Leadership Effingham brings together individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and connections to the community. The questions below are designed to help the Selection Committee better understand your leadership experience, your interest in Effingham County, and what you hope to contribute to and gain from the program.

What is one thing about Effingham County you believe more local leaders should understand, and why?

What perspective or lived experience would you bring to this class that may not otherwise be represented?

Leadership Effingham is intended to lead to greater civic involvement. Where do you see yourself contributing more meaningfully in Effingham County after completing the program?

Financial Assistance

Would you like to request confidential, need-based tuition assistance?

Scholarship information: A limited number of scholarships of up to $250 may be available. Requests remain confidential and are not shared with the Selection Committee until after class selection.

Letter describing financial need

Are you currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, another educational program concurrent with Leadership Effingham?

Program Dates and Attendance

The program includes approximately 12 scheduled experiences for which attendance is expected and required. Participants will also complete a class service project, leadership readings, and occasional assignments.

Because the time commitment is significant, applicants and their employers must be prepared to support full participation. Participants who do not meet attendance requirements may be dismissed without a tuition refund.

Tentative 2026–2027 Program Calendar

2026:

Class Orientation and Retreat — September 16–17; Class Day — October 13; Friendsgiving Leadership Luncheon — November 5; Class Day — November 10; Class Day — December 8.

2027:

Class Day — January 12; Effingham Day at the Capitol — January 31–February 2; Class Day — March 9; Class Day — April 13; Class Day — May 11; Class Day — June 8; Commencement — June 23.

Dates and program topics are tentative and subject to change. Participants will be notified promptly of any necessary adjustments.

Have you reviewed your schedule for possible conflicts with Leadership Effingham sessions and events?

Do you have any work-related training, travel, or other commitments that may conflict with a class or event?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, describe the conflict(s), affected date(s), and whether each conflict can be resolved.

Employer Support

Leadership Effingham requires a significant commitment of time, attendance, and active participation. Applicants must have the support of their employer or sponsoring organization to participate fully in orientation, the retreat, eight class days, Effingham Day at the Capitol if assigned, commencement, and related program activities.

By signing below, the employer or sponsoring representative confirms that they understand the program commitment and support the applicant’s participation, including the time away from regular work responsibilities necessary to attend required sessions. This signature confirms organizational support for participation but does not, by itself, obligate the employer or sponsoring organization to pay tuition or related expenses.

Employer Representative Name

First NameLast Name

Employer Representative Title

Employer Representative Email

example@example.com

Employer Representative Electronic Signature

Signature Date

Date

Support Confirmation

Applicant Certification

Certification

Electronic Signature

Date