Apply

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.  Through its intensive nine-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!  Click here to apply now.

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, professional and community recommendations, and face-to-face interviews to evaluate candidates. A selection committee composed of 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. 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

The application process for the Class of 2011 has closed.  LEAD Atlanta will begin accepting nominations for the Class of 2012 during the Fall of 2010.  Exact dates will be published on this webpage as they are determined.

 

FAQ

How much does LEAD Atlanta cost?

Tuition for the nine-month program is $1,000.  Though these fees help us fund the program, it should be noted that tuition does not fully cover the cost of the LEAD Atlanta program. In addition to these funds, program costs are paid by alumni donations and by corporate and community sponsors.

What is the time commitment involved?

The program year spans a nine-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 also participate in a service learning project that spans the nine-month period, community immersion activities  and a mentoring program with Leadership Atlanta alumni.  For more information about the program calendar, click here.  To see a copy of the LEAD Atlanta attendance policy, click here.

 

Have a question not answered here?

Call or Email Megan Sparks, Director of Programs, at:
(404) 876-4770, ext. 103
megansparks@leadershipatlanta.org