General Application Information and Candidate Profile

Enthusiastic.  Service-oriented.  Energetic.  Insightful.  Curious.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?  If so, apply for LEAD Atlanta!

 

Why Apply?

In this age of hope, inspiration and activism, it seems everyone talks about leadership― but how do you really accomplish it?   

 

If you are a young professional between the ages of 25 and 32 and have been asking yourself this question, you are not alone.  Other talented individuals across metro Atlanta have been asking themselves the same question.  (If you are not within this age range, you might be interested in our signature, executive-level program, Leadership Atlanta.  Click here to find out more.) 

 

Through its intensive eight-month program, LEAD Atlanta aims to help you answer this and other similar questions through the provision of several key learning areas, including:

  • Leadership skill development
  • Candid conversations with distinguished regional leaders
  • Behind-the-scenes access to metro Atlanta’s critical services and diverse communities
  • In-depth examination of fundamental social issues
  • Personal growth and self-assessment
  • Relationships with a diverse group of your peers, metro Atlanta’s other emerging leaders

All this adds up to a transformative experience for you and for the community!  Applications for the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2013 are now being accepted. 

 

What LEAD Atlanta Looks for

The application process aims to assess candidates along multiple dimensions, including but not limited to professional accomplishments, community involvement, volunteer service, leadership potential, intellectual curiosity and willingness to grow.  The selection committee evaluates applicants with the following questions in mind.

  • Is the candidate between 25 and 32 years old?
  • Has he/she demonstrated some kind of impact within his/her chosen profession?
  • Does the candidate regularly participate in volunteer service?
  • Does he/she show commitment to the community?
  • Is the candidate willing to self-reflect and grow personally?
  • Does he/she have the potential to effect change now and in the future?
  • Does the candidate represent and/or embrace some form of diversity, whether ethnic, ideological, spiritual, sexual, political, cultural, etc.?
  • Does he/she live within the metro Atlanta area?  (Tenure in the region is not a factor.)

Please note that while each of the above questions is used as criteria when evaluating applicants, excellent candidates do not necessarily possess each and every qualification sought. A person’s potential for growth and for community impact, both now and in the future, is most important.

 

How the Class is Chosen

We utilize a combination of written applications, face-to-face interviews, and professional recommendations to evaluate candidates. A selections committee composed of Leadership Atlanta and LEAD Atlanta alumni evaluates and chooses the members of each class. The application process occurs in two phases. First, each judge reads every application, scoring each one according to a standard rubric. Then the committee gathers and chooses which candidates will advance to Phase II, the Interview Process.

If selected for an interview, a candidate is considered a finalist for membership. One-on-one, face-to-face interviews are conducted by various alumni of LEAD Atlanta. These interviewers submit quantitative and qualitative evaluations of their candidate(s), which are then compiled with the selection committee members’ scores.  Finalists also are asked to submit recommendation forms completed by their professional supervisors. Finally, the committee meets in a closed-door session to determine the final class list.  Classes may vary in size from 35-50 members.

 

Class Selections Timeline

LEAD Atlanta is currently accepting nominations for the Class of 2013.  Nominate yourself or someone you know.  Applications must be submitted online by February 10, 2012.  Finalists will be notified by the end of March 2012, and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2013 will be announced in May 2012.

 

Time Commitment and Cost

The program year spans a seven-month time frame.  Included are an overnight opening retreat, a one-and-a-half day inclusive leadership workshop and a closing program.  Each of these components is mandatory for all participants.  In addition, LEAD Atlanta hosts three substantive program days focusing on key leadership and community topics.  Class members participate in a service learning project that spans the seven-month period, community immersion activities  and an optional mentoring program with Leadership Atlanta alumni.   

 

 Tuition for the LEAD Atlanta program is $1,250.  View the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2013 program calendar here.  In addition to scheduled program days, class members will be asked to participate in a service learning project team, immersion activities, and a mentorship program.  LEAD Atlanta class members are allowed one absence from non-mandatory programs.

 

Have a question not answered here?

Call or email one of the following staff members:

Megan Sparks, Director of Programs,

(404) 876-4770, ext. 103

megansparks@leadershipatlanta.org

 

Elaine Hudson, Manager of Programs and Marketing,

(404) 876-4770, ext. 104

elainehudson@leadershipatlanta.org