Prospective Participants

Thank you for your interest in Leadership Cleveland. Started in 1977 by the former Greater Cleveland Growth Association, Leadership Cleveland one of the flagship programs in the founding of Cleveland Leadership Center, and has more than 1,700 alumni.

Leadership Cleveland is a 10-month leadership development program focused on learning about community assets and challenges while engaging community leaders in furthering the growth and development of Greater Cleveland. Leadership Cleveland was one of the first civic leadership programs in the country and has received national recognition for its programming and community impact. The goals of the program remain constant: to build and strengthen regional leadership through educating, connecting, and engaging participants for the purpose of improving the quality of life in Greater Cleveland.

Each year, just under 200 applications are recieved and approximately 65 participants are accepted.

Criteria for Selection

Candidates have demonstrated civic leadership.
Candidates are established leaders within their profession.
Candidates are willing to contribute their time, talent and/or financial resources to the community in the years ahead.
Candidates have the full support of the organization or corporation where they are employed.
Candidates are nominated by the head of the organization they represent.

Selection Process

Applications are available early in February. Candidates must submit their application for the class by March 15. **Deadline extended to March 22, 2013** Candidates must include two (2) letters of support from Leadership Cleveland alumni. The class is announced in June each year upon approval of the Cleveland Leadership Center Board of Trustees.

Program Participation

The program year begins in August and runs through June. Participants are required to attend 80% of the sessions during the class year. The Opening Retreat, generally held in September, is mandatory for all participants. The schedule for the year is included in the application materials. The application is available only on-line through the link provided on this page.

Tuition

Tuition for the program is $5,000 and may be paid by the individual or employer. A limited number of partial scholarships, based on need, are granted annually to individuals who might otherwise be unable to participate.

Contact Dr. Marcy Levy Shankman, Director of Leadership Cleveland, at (216) 592-2259 or mshankman@cleveleads.org with questions.