Become a leader, build relationships,
and grow your community.

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FAQ


Why should I join Leadership Lafayette?

As a Community Leadership Program participant you will:

  • Build relationships with class participants, facilitators, program alumni, and community leaders
  • Increase your awareness of current issues in human services, education, arts, and government
  • Develop your leadership skills for individual growth and civic engagement
  • Identify your personal strengths and discover collaborative leadership tools
  • Define ethical leadership practices and explore your personal service mission
  • Learn about nonprofit organizations and how you can help strengthen our community

What can I experience in the program?

After confirming acceptance in the program, participants will:

  • Attend a 2-day Opening Retreat in mid-September.
  • Participate in Class Sessions focusing on leadership development and civic engagement.
  • Sessions are typically held on Thursday afternoons approximately once a month between Labor Day and Memorial Day
  • Plan and execute the annual Volunteer Expo as a Class Community Service Project.
  • Encourage your organizational sponsor, family, friends, and community partners to join you in attending your Graduation Celebration in mid-May.
  • Give back in service to the community following program completion.

Where does the program meet?

Leadership Lafayette program activities are held in a variety of locations throughout the community to help participants learn more about area businesses, nonprofit organizations, and area services.

Program locations include:

  • Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
  • Boiler Challenge Course
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Carnahan Hall
  • Civic Theater of Greater Lafayette
  • Duncan Hall
  • Grant’s House
  • Greater Lafayette Career Academy
  • Food Finders Food Bank
  • Fowler House Mansion
  • Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health
  • IU Health
  • Ivy Tech Community College
  • Junior Achievement
  • Lafayette Adult Resource Academy
  • Lafayette City Hall
  • Lafayette Country Club
  • Lafayette Family YMCA
  • Lafayette Theater
  • LTHC Homeless Services
  • Long Center for the Performing Arts
  • Mission: Breakout
  • Purdue Research Foundation
  • Rat Pak Venue
  • Right Steps Child Development Centers
  • River City Community Center
  • Rugged Xscape
  • Tippecanoe Arts Federation
  • Tippecanoe County Building
  • Tippecanoe County Courthouse
  • Tippecanoe County Historical Association
  • Wabash National’s Ehrlich Innovation Center
  • West Lafayette City Hall

How do I apply?

Applications are available each spring and accepted through July 15.

 

Information to have ready as you complete the application:

  • Contact Information
  • Business/Employer Information
  • Education
  • Community Involvement
    • Share your current involvement – volunteer, civic, and community activities
  • “What has been your most satisfying community activity and why?”
  • “What volunteer and/or community leadership role would you like to pursue upon completion of the program?”
  • “How did you hear about Leadership Lafayette and why are you interested in participating in the program?”
  • Review and Approval of each session date – Class 54 Proposed Schedule
  • One Professional Reference – name and contact information
  • One Personal Reference – name and contact information
  • Application Statements of Commitment
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What does it cost to participate?

Tuition is $2,000 per participant. Businesses and community organizations are encouraged to sponsor employees as participants.

Leadership Lafayette is an independent nonprofit organization. Thanks to the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations, the Community Leadership Program is made available to participants at less than half the cost of actual program delivery.

Tuition assistance is available through Need-Based Scholarships for candidates from small businesses and nonprofit organizations or individuals who are self-sponsoring tuition.

Leadership Lafayette strives to ensure that participants represent the diverse fabric of our community and no eligible candidates are denied participation due to financial need.

  • Jaqueline Varela

    Class 47
    Past Interim Director, Hanna Center

    "

    As a scholarship recipient, I firmly believe in what Leadership Lafayette gives to our community and its leaders. I learned so much more about myself and my capabilities that I was not aware of before this experience. I am grateful for this opportunity that was only available to me because there are gracious donors who support our Community Leadership Program.

    "
  • Jason McManus

    Class 47
    President & CEO, Wabash Center

    "

    Aside from forming connections and relationships and learning about the many great organizations that support Lafayette, what I took away most acutely from my experience was the idea that a cohort of people with a diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences can contribute and do contribute to the ongoing enrichment of this community. Indeed, it is this very notion that makes Lafayette so special and Leadership Lafayette plays a vital role in preparing individuals to perpetuate this enrichment.

    "