Leadership Worcester engages promising new professionals in Greater Worcester’s civic life by offering training and skill development to participants.
Application & Requirements
Deadlines & Important Dates
May 27, 2024
Application deadline for the Class of 2025
July 15, 2024
Selection notifications sent to participants
August 14, 2024
Non-refundable tuition due in full
We seek applicants who demonstrate the following:
- Motivation to take on active leadership roles in Worcester
- Proven record of leadership capacity
- Passion and commitment to making Worcester a leading, livable city
- Long term commitment to involvement in our community
- Live and/or work in Worcester
Our Commitment to Inclusivity
It is our goal to recruit widely through our community without bias in effort to bring together an annual cohort that is reflective of the rich diversity of our community. Class diversity is a key goal of Leadership Worcester and factors including age, geographic location, employment sector, race, sexual orientation and gender will be used in determining the final cohort selection. Application questions related to identity are optional, but we ask you to help us ensure inclusion on all levels by completing those questions. All information is held in the strictest confidence. We expect each cohort to represent all sectors of our community and have participants that represent a wide range of Worcester area businesses, nonprofit organizations, education, health care, government agencies and civic volunteers.
Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, active military status or any other protected characteristic established by law.
Application Process
Before submitting your application:
- Review the session dates for the 2023-24 year. Full participation in all sessions is required.
- Have your up-to-date resume or LinkedIn on hand.
- Make sure you have a recommendation letter from your employer or colleague.
- Attend the info session on April 2nd to get your questions answered.
To apply:
Important notes:
- Applications are accepted between March 1 and May 27.
- Selection for Leadership Worcester is competitive and selective. Each year, we receive more applicants than available positions. The class size ranges from 25-28 annually.
- You can view the application questions beforehand.
- Take advantage of the character limits. Share your passion for Worcester with us in full complete thoughts.
- Only completed applications will be reviewed. Complete applications must include an uploaded resume or link to an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, and a letter of recommendation from your employer or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Assistance
- The cost per participant is $3,200. A personal contribution (minimum $200) is expected.
- Employer tuition is expected and encouraged. That arrangement is between you and your employer and we encourage you to have this conversation prior to submitting your application.
- A limited amount of scholarship assistance has been made possible through the generosity of local donors. In order to be considered, you must be representing a small business, nonprofit or are an entrepreneur and complete the financial aid portion on the application. Financial aid requests play no part in the selection process.
- Financial aid is a tool to supplement participation and reduce barriers. However, only partial aid will be awarded. No full scholarships are available.
- Flexible payment plans are available by request.