Through a series of intensive seminars, the Core Program experience enhances civic knowledge and self-awareness and enriches leadership skills.
Enrollment for the 2025 Core Class is closed. Applications will open for the 2026 Core Class in Spring of 2025.
Applications will be considered only with all of the following:
Completed application with resume attached.
Completed sponsor endorsement Note: Your sponsor endorsement should be completed by someone who has knowledge of your potential.
Non-refundable $500 application fee Note: Upon submission of your application, pay the $500 fee here. If accepted, the remaining balance of $8,800 ($8,300 tuition less $500 deposit) will be due no later than August 15, 2025. This tuition is non-refundable if candidate withdraws.
Once an application is received and reviewed, candidates are scheduled for an interview. Interviews take place April through July.
The Core Class consists of 11 full day sessions (most will run from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm).
For questions about the program or the application process, contact Angela Tillar: atillar@leadershipphiladelphia.org or (215) 893-9999.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is to your advantage to apply early.
The Core Program consists of eleven day-long seminar sessions from September through June. Meetings generally consist of half-day immersion in a civic topic, followed by an afternoon of leadership development or trustee skills development training. Participants receive assessments and individual skills development feedback. The Class of 2025 will receive our standard live curriculum.
Each meeting and speaker is evaluated to ensure that LEADERSHIP is meeting the group’s needs. Assessment tools, feedback, and experiential training enrich the experience.
Civic Issues
Arts and Culture Economic Development Education Justice & Safety Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Leadership Development Connecting Emotional Intelligence Aligning with Purpose Legacy Self-Awareness
Trusteeship Training Fundraising Governance Board Placement Philanthropy Public/Private Partnerships
Prospective Participants and Sponsors
Qualified candidates are seasoned individuals with leadership skills and a drive to take responsibility for improving the quality of life in the region. Generally, more than half of the class has earned MBAs or MAs, and more than a quarter of the class hold JD or PhD credentials. Each nominee should be prominent within his or her organization, have the sponsor’s personal endorsement, be prepared to commit time to participate in the program, and intend to stay in the region. Admission is competitive. Tuition for the 2024-2025 program year is $8,800.
Benefits to Sponsor Organizations
Broadens your employee’s network of professional contacts
