Community Leadership Development (Core) Program

The Community Leadership Development Program is at the Core of what we do. That’s why we call it the Core Program. It is designed to achieve our main objective: to ignite rising leaders to make positive change in Waterloo Region. How do we do that? We encourage, empower, enable and equip participants through practical and experiential learning opportunities.

The Core Program helps participants acquire both a broader understanding of the critical issues affecting our community and the leadership skills necessary to resolve them. This program prepares participants for the challenges of their own life-long leadership journeys, builds leadership skills, and develops an awareness for the rich opportunities for leadership in Waterloo Region.

In 2019 staff, partners and volunteers overhauled the Core Program to maximize the impact on our participants and on our community.

Benefits

For You

Ignite your leadership skills
Learn about critical issues facing Waterloo Region
Become a more valuable employee
Understand the history of your community
Be apart of a diverse, passionate, engaged network of over 450 alumni
Learn how to refine your personal impact goals

For Employers

Staff gain enhanced workplace applicable leadership skills and techniques to manage conflict, understand inclusivity and leading through change
Employers are recognized as being committed to growing their leaders, to become engaged community leaders
Ability to host a class (COVID-permitting) and speak about your business and how you engage with the community
Access to a network of committed, educated and talented alumni
Ability to attend certain Leadership Days

For our Community

Poll of committed community leaders to serve as Board members and volunteers
Talented group of leaders who can be called upon to help develop and implement solutions to community issues
Leadership that can eb tapped for governmental task forces and commissions
Well-informed citizens who are motivated to engage in public service, and even run for public office

Guiding Framework

There are four key areas of impact that the Core Program focuses it’s work:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs associated with the Core Program?

There is a $100 application fee that is due with your application. This can be paid by cheque or credit card. The tuition cost of $4,800 covers the entire program including but not limited to: all program materials, meals during Leadership Days, accommodations during opening/closing retreats. The tuition fee is due on or before the start of the program.

What if I can’t afford tuition?

Bursary support may be available! We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow as a leader and give back to our community. With the generous support of local businesses, bursaries are available to applicants that are not able to cover the full tuition amount. Click here for more information!

What are the program dates and what will I learn?

We are delighted to be able to present our classes with the latest in community leadership training. To learn more about the topics we cover and the schedule for the Class of 2023 schedule click here. For an overview of the Affordable Housing Solutions Lab group project, click here.

What is the selection process? When will I know if I’m in the program?

We welcome applications from people who demonstrate leadership qualities and are committed to creating a new network of informed and dedicated community leaders. A selection committee will review your application. Eligible candidates will be asked to participate in an in-person interview.

All applicants will be notified about their status at least four weeks prior to the program’s September start date.

Community Leadership Development (Core) Program