WHERE ESTABLISHED LEADERS COME TO STRENGTHEN CIVIC IMPACT

• Established leaders in their professions eager to dive deeper into the Arlington community and region
• Civically engaged community leaders looking to build relationships with other equally committed leaders
• Curious leaders open to growing from exposure to a variety of voices, challenges, and opportunities, and use the experience to develop their plans for personal and professional impact.

The Lead program is application based. The Selection Committee determines which applicants will be invited to participate in Lead. The Committee seeks a diverse cohort of established leaders who demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact. All applicants will receive notification of their status by June 10, 2026. A public press release will be issued in early July. The first program day will be Thursday, September 24.

The Lead program is once monthly from September through May. Classes will meet in Arlington on the following days from 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with two exceptions noted below.

Please check that these program dates work for your personal and professional calendars before submitting your application.

• Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Opening Program
• Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Government Day (until 6:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, November 12, 2026 – Economic Development Day
• Thursday, December 10, 2026 – History, Arts, and Culture Day
• Thursday, January 21, 2027 – Health and Human Services Day
• Thursday, February 11, 2027 – Public Safety and Justice Day
• Thursday, March 11, 2027 – Education Day
• Thursday, April 22, 2027 – Environmental Sustainability Day/Closing Program
• Thursday, May 13, 2027 – Leadership Summit & Reception (1:00 - 6:30 p.m.)

The total tuition cost of $5,500 covers the monthly programs, one ticket for the Leadership Summit & Reception, and access to our alumni directory and ongoing alumni resources and networking opportunities.

Leadership Center of Arlington encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of financial status.

We provide partial scholarships for small nonprofit and small business applicants, based on need and funds available. Scholarship requests are not a factor in the selection process.

Scholarship applications are due by Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (at the same time as the program applications). Scholarship applications will not be accepted after this date.

Members of the community are invited to apply by May 22. County employees must apply by May 11.

Our programs have attendance policies to ensure the best possible experience for all participants. If program sessions are not attended, it impacts the experience of everyone in the program.

Program tuition is non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal or dismissal.

Lead Attendance Rules

• All participants are expected to attend all sessions: A maximum of two (2) absences from the monthly program days are permitted.
• Allowed absences: Full-day and partial-day absences are both counted. Time away from a program day will be tracked, and 8 hours total equals one (1) absence. 
• Exceeding allowed absences: If you exceed the absence limit for your program, your continued participation will be reviewed by the LCA Board of Directors. You must petition the Board in writing within 30 days of notification, explaining the reasons for your absences. Failure to petition will result in dismissal.
• Consecutive absences: Consecutive absences beyond the program’s limit will result in automatic dismissal.