Leadership LEAP

Kentucky’s state motto is “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” This has never been more true for small rural counties like ours. LEAP is one avenue for the up-and-coming leaders in our region to get together, learn about each other as people and as communities, and to share ideas about how we can all work together to make tomorrow better for us all.

As the steering committee for the Leadership LEAP program, which includes Estill, Jackson, Lee & Powell Counties (and we've had participation from multiple other adjoining counties!), we would like to enlighten you about exactly what this program is about and what the participants from these four to six counties have in store for them in the coming year. This program began with Estill County alone in 2010 and quickly grew to include four counties in a regional effort. Certainly with any regional effort, especially one that has grown this quickly, there will be growing pains and issues that must be sorted out. To the surprise and delight of the steering committee, the amount of collaboration and sharing among our four counties has far surpassed anyone’s best expectations. In addition, our contributing sponsors and partners have been overwhelmingly supportive in making this program a success.

Leadership LEAP is a six-month commitment by the participants in which they come together once a month around a different topic and in a different community. Topics cover economic development, healthcare, tourism, law enforcement/drug abuse prevention, education, government, leadership skills and team building. Participants are held to a strict attendance policy, which is a typical practice among leadership programs across the state and nation. This policy is in place to enhance the camaraderie of the class and to protect the integrity of the program. LEAP participants are no doubt passionate about our communities and want to attend every second of the program and graduate, but even those who fall just short of meeting attendance are given the opportunity to fulfill their commitments and graduate with the next year’s class.

LEAP Application

Instructions
• Please complete each section in full.
• Application must be signed by both sponsor and candidate and be received no later than 4:00 pm on May 1, 2024. No applications accepted after 4:00 pm May 1, 2024.
• All applicants will be notified by May 3, 2024. Class size is limited.

Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Program is to:
• expand the network of potential future leaders of our communities;
• enhance the participants’ knowledge of the structure and operation of local businesses, schools, healthcare providers, government, civic and charitable organizations;
• introduce the participants to local business owners, educators and school administrators, healthcare providers and staff, government officials and the leaders of civic and charitable organizations;
• foster a better understanding of local issues and needs; and
• develop leadership and team building skills.

Leadership LEAP Selection Criteria
• LEAP is available to residents or those with business or civic activities within the community. The 2024 tuition of $300.00 may be paid by an employer/sponsor, individual, or not-for-profit organization.
• Participants must have a commitment to serve their community and a desire for knowledge in all aspects of life within their county.
• LEAP is an equal opportunity program and does not discriminate applicants based on disability, age, race, religion or sex.
• Class members are chosen by the LEAP Selection Committee based upon the information completed on the application. The Committee seeks representation from a cross section of the community including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.
• Applicants must have the full support of the organization or business they represent. Individuals may apply. A letter of endorsement from your sponsor must accompany your application.
• To meet graduation requirements, it is necessary that participants attend all sessions of the program. The opening retreat (May) and November conference are MANDATORY! A serious time commitment is involved with the LEAP program for each day session. If you feel you cannot make this commitment, it is not in your best interest to apply at this time.

Meeting Dates:
Opening Retreat: Overnight Retreat (Thursday/Friday) in Frankfort
Thursday, May 16, 2024 4PM - 9PM (& Stay the night)
Friday, May 17, 2024 8:30AM - 4PM
Sessions
Each session is a full day, typically beginning at 9AM and ending by 5PM (Third Thursday of each month)
June 20, 2024
July 18, 2024
August 15, 2024
September 19, 2024
Retreat: Brushy Fork Institute Leadership Summit, Berea College
Overnight (Tuesday/Wednesday) November 12-13, 2024
Graduation Activity – (Time & Location TBD)

All information is confidential and will only be seen by the Leadership LEAP Steering Committee.

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Preferred Name *

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Email *

Phone Number *

Date of Birth *

Shirt Size *

Gender *

Years Residing in Your Community *

Years Working in Your Community *

Emergency Contact

Name *

First

Last

Relationship to Applicant *

Mobile Phone *

Home Phone *

Work Phone *

Employer

Present Employer *

Position *

Work Phone *

Work Address *

Work Email *

Preferred Email *

LEAP seeks to provide a diverse class of participants to represent all sectors of our community. Describe your industry type and your position/responsibilities at your current employer. Also indicate the number of employees at your organization. *

What do you consider your most significant or important responsibility, skill, or career achievement? *

Community Involvement

Please list civic, professional, business, religious, social, athletic or other organizations in which you currently or previously have been a member of (Include organization, position, and years involved): *

How much time each month do you commit to these and other community activities? *

Have you been as active as you would like to be? *

If not, what has been the major barrier? *

Briefly state any accomplishments in the above organizations that you consider significant and explain your role: *

Special honors/awards (business, professional, educational, community, etc.) *

Education

Please list high school and any post-secondary education you have received and years attended, including any diplomas or degrees. *

Your Perspective

What do you consider the three most significant challenges facing your county? *

What do you hope to gain from your experience with LEAP? *

Commitment

To graduate from Leadership LEAP, a participant is expected to attend all sessions for the sixth month duration of the program. Absenteeism of more than one “regular” session may result in you being dropped from the program.

Opening Overnight Retreat attendance is mandatory.
One full day per month for four months. Sessions run approximately 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Brushy Fork Leadership Summit trip is mandatory. Graduation activity attendance is highly encouraged.

Will you be able to fulfill this commitment? *

Yes No

Business/Organziation Commitment

Applicants for Leadership LEAP must have the support and commitment of their business or organization. The signature of the applicant's immediate supervisor or officer of the organization is necessary as an indication of the support of the applicant's participation in the program. I have read and understood the applicant commitment policy and have attached a letter of endorsement.

Name *

Title *

Organization *

Upload Signed Letter of Endorsement in .pdf format. *

Max file size: 20MB

Personal Recommendations

Please list 2 individuals knowledgeable with respect to your leadership capabilities and your past performance.

Include name, phone number or email, organization, and title. *

Tuition

Tuition for Leadership LEAP is $300, which includes food, fees, lodging, and instruction materials. Full tuition is due by May 1, 2024. Tuition will not be refunded to payees if participant drops out or is dropped from the program due to absenteeism.

Scholarships

A limited number of partial scholarships may be available based on need. If you need to apply contact a LEAP Steering Committee member.

Applicant commitment & release of liability

If selected as a participant of Leadership LEAP, I am willing to attend all the functions sponsored by the program, and I understand that attendance is mandatory. I understand that if I fail to meet any of the obligations of the program, I may be asked to withdraw or may not graduate with my class. I also accept liability of myself throughout the entire program. I hereby release Leadership LEAP, its officers and directors of all liabilities for injuries and damages sustained by me in connection with the LEAP program. Additionally, I release Leadership LEAP to use my image for promotion of the program.

Disclaimer: I hereby authorize the Leadership LEAP program to communicate via email about program activities.

Applicant Name *

Today's Date *

Submit

Leadership LEAP

Applications Due May 1st!

LEAP Application

Leadership LEAP Steering Committee

Leadership LEAP Interest Form

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