LEADERSHIP Core

Through a series of intensive seminars, the Core Program experience enhances civic knowledge and self-awareness and enriches leadership skills.

• Candidates will be considered only with all of the following items submitted:
  • Completed application (PDF summary of application)
  • Current resume
  • Completed sponsor endorsement form (PDF summary of the form)
    Note: Sponsor endorsements should be completed by someone who has knowledge of an applicant’s potential.
  • Non-refundable $500 application fee
    
    
• Once an application is received and reviewed, candidates are scheduled for an interview. Interviews take place in-person, March through June.
  
  
• If accepted, tuition of $9,200 is due no later than August 15, 2025.
  This tuition is non-refundable if candidate withdraws.
  
  
• The Core Class consists of 11 full day sessions (most will run from 8:30 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.

Core Class of 2025

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The Core Program Experience

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 2026 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 2025-2026 program year is $9,200.

Benefits to Sponsor Organizations

• Broadens your employee’s network of professional contacts
• Affords fast-track employees additional recognition
• Raises employee’s profile among professional peers
• Introduces employee to community leaders
• Provides valued employees with leadership training

Benefits to Participants

• Broadens scope and diversity of professional network with access to over 4,000 alumni
• Provides a unique Individual Development Plan
• Enhances knowledge of civic issues and leaders
• Provides insider access to a sample of the city’s iconic institutions and leaders
• Places participant on a non-profit board or committee
• Heightens self awareness, self confidence, and more connections

Benefits to Community

• Creates and nurtures a network of informed leaders
• Strengthens public/private partnership
• Weaves new leaders into the region’s civic fabric
• Links corporate resources with community organizations
• Reduces “six degrees of separation” in order to get work done