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For 55 years, Leadership Raleigh has been developing leaders and strengthening our community. As one of the oldest sustained community leadership programs in the nation, it proudly continues a tradition of connecting, educating, and inspiring leaders to make a lasting impact on Raleigh and the entire Triangle region. Supported by a dynamic and expansive network of more than 2,200 distinguished alumni, the program equips participants with knowledge, access, and relationships that drive meaningful change.
Whether you are new to Raleigh or have lived here your whole life, Leadership Raleigh will connect you with our community in dynamic and transformative ways. Participants experience the rich history and vibrant culture that define our region while discovering the organizations, institutions, resources, venues, and projects that make the Triangle one of the best places to live, work, and visit. Leadership Raleigh provides an immersive community experience that explores the issues and opportunities shaping our region. Through presentations, interactive panels, behind-the-scenes tours, experiential learning, and meaningful civic engagement, participants gain a deeper understanding of how Raleigh works and how they can help lead its future. Each class day examines a key community theme through the lens of our collective quality of life and its influence on economic growth, vibrancy, and regional development. We lead, we educate, we serve, we engage, and we grow. Specifically, Leadership Raleigh provides a unique opportunity to:
Cohorts 53 and 54 Program Application Tuition for the 2026-2027 program year is $3,875. Tuition will be billed upon notification of acceptance at the beginning of July, and a 50% deposit will be due by August 14, prior to the Orientation to ensure participation. The remaining balance will be due prior to September 15 for accepted participants to remain in the program. Payment plans may be arranged in unique circumstances. Tuition covers the cost of class day travel, meals, and lodging for the out-of-town retreat and graduation. Tuition does not include mileage for the retreat or graduation, or any incidentals incurred during travel or class days. Please review the schedule, time commitment, and selection criteria before proceeding with the application. Some organizations have an internal process for selecting their applicant(s) for Leadership Raleigh. It is recommended that you check with the individual or the department that oversees this process prior to completing the application to make sure you are following your organization’s protocol. Selection Criteria The Leadership Raleigh Review and Nominating Committee is made up of Leadership Raleigh alumni. The committee seeks to identify individuals most likely to use their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of Raleigh, our region, and the state as well as those who have demonstrated their desire to participate. Class size is typically between 50 and 53 people per class. Please note that space limitations will result in qualified candidates not being selected. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply in subsequent years. Leadership Raleigh does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin or orientation. The committee will be seeking candidates that are well-rounded and represent our region. Application Deadline Completed application, one professional letter of recommendation, and scholarship application (if applicable) are due before midnight on June 30, 2026. A committee of Leadership Raleigh alumni reviews all applications in mid-to-late June. Applicants will be informed by July 10, by email or phone, whether they have been selected, placed on the waitlist, or not selected. Scholarships A limited number of partial scholarships are available through the John Freehafer Scholarship Fund to help candidates for whom the program fee presents a barrier to participation. These funds are for nonprofit and community as well as small and minority-owned business leaders. The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Community Development Foundation, which administers the John Freehafer Scholarship Fund, may not be able to provide the full requested scholarship amount but will work with you to support your participation. Scholarships awarded generally range from $500 to $2,000. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must submit the separate scholarship application along with the program application on/by the June 30, 2026, deadline. Scholarship applications are reviewed separately. Please note that applying for a scholarship will not impact the consideration of your program application. Apply for the scholarship here. Program Schedule and Structure The dates and class themes are outlined below. You must indicate the class that works best for your schedule. You are granted one excused absence and the option to “switch” to attend the other class one time during the program. Each class will begin by 8:45 a.m. and wrap by 5:30 p.m. Approximately one week prior to class, you will receive a calendar invite, parking instructions, and the class day agenda. Participation in the orientation, retreat, and graduation are mandatory and cannot be counted as a “switch” as content is specific to the class you are attending. Participation in Leadership Raleigh also requires that each participant attend a Wake County Board of Commissioners and a Raleigh City Council meeting during the 10-month program. This can be done virtually or in person. Upon acceptance, more information will be provided. Leadership Raleigh Class 53
Leadership Raleigh Class 54
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Thank you to our Leadership Raleigh sponsors!
Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Class Day Sponsors         Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Retreat Sponsor
Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Orientation Sponsor
Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Class Social Sponsors       Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Lunch Sponsors  Leadership Raleigh 51/52 Coffee Sponsor
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Click to view the 2024-25 Leadership Raleigh Impact Report below.
