Flagship Program Application
Frequently asked questions about the application and selection process:
- Is Leadership Knoxville right for me?
- What will I gain from participating?
- What if I applied previously and was not selected?
- What are the time commitments for the Leadership Class?
- I'm not sure I can attend all of the Class days - can I still participate?
- What is the cost of tuition? Is tuition assistance available?
- When will I find out if I've been awarded a scholarship?
- Should I submit letters of recommendation?
- How long should I plan to spend completing the application?
- Who will review the applications?
- When will I find out if I've been selected?
Leadership Knoxville interweaves three curriculum elements in an intensive ten-month experience: an in-depth exploration of the community's issues; an opportunity for experienced leaders to hone leadership competencies; and the opportunity for diverse participants to extend their connections to better serve their civic and professional goals.
The Leadership Knoxville curriculum is targeted to individuals who have already gained experience in leadership roles which contained a moderate level of uncertain elements, complex problems, and diverse constituents. Leadership Knoxville class members recognize that civic leadership experiences may differ somewhat from business leadership experiences; while similar leadership competencies are required in each environment, different leadership contexts may call for different processes.
Participation in the Leadership Class offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a unique ten-month experience during which you will learn a great deal about yourself and about many facets of the greater Knoxville area. In addition, you will make lifetime friendships with individuals representing the diversity of the community.
By the end of the year, some graduates report that their Leadership Knoxville experience has been life-changing. Many say that they now have a broader and more profound knowledge of their community, a deeper appreciation for the potential of civic leaders to make significant improvements in these communities, an increased understanding of the ways in which they can be effective contributors, a heightened appreciation of the value of working with diverse partners to accomplish their goals, and a greatly expanded network of colleagues to serve as resources in their endeavors. Many end the year committed to being involved in their communities in even more meaningful ways.
What's more, the Leadership Knoxville Flagship Program is just the beginning of your association with Leadership Knoxville. Graduates become part of the Leadership Knoxville Alumni. Alumni Association Members participate in special educational, social, and networking events, have access to our online directory, and opportunity to serve on committees that further enhance our organization’s programs. Perhaps more importantly, Leadership Knoxville alumni find that they are part of an ever-expanding network of leaders they can always call upon for advice and information.
Because the Leadership Class is a working laboratory for honing leadership skills to work effectively with diverse constituencies and in complex leadership environments, the curriculum will only be successful if the class composition reflects the diversity of the community. The Selection Committee will select individuals to make up a Class that reflects the region’s geographic, ethnic, and professional diversity, bringing together individuals from various neighborhoods, interests, backgrounds, and religious sectors.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Thursday, August 9 |
| Opening Retreat | Friday, August 24 – Sunday, August 26 |
| Monthly Sessions | Wednesday, October 10 |
| Thursday, November 8 | |
| Thursday, December 13 | |
| Thursday, January 10, 2013 | |
| Thursday, February 14 | |
| Nashville Trip | Tuesday, March 12 - Wednesday, March 13 |
| Monthly Session | Thursday, April 11 |
|
Closing Retreat Mayors' Luncheon |
Thursday, May 9 & Friday, May 10 Tuesday, May 14 |
Attendance at the Opening Retreat is mandatory in order to participate in the Leadership Class. Individuals who arrive late to the Opening Retreat or who are absent from the Opening Retreat will be dropped from the Class. In addition, there are attendance requirements for the remaining Class days, which allow for two excused absences.
Leadership Knoxville Class members and alumni include individuals of many faith traditions. Leadership Knoxville makes every effort to schedule Class activities at times that do not conflict with religious observances; however, this is not possible in every instance. Applicants with questions regarding conflicts between a Leadership Class event and a religious observance are asked to contact the Leadership Knoxville President/CEO.
Tuition for the 2013 Leadership Class is $3,000.00.
Selection to the Leadership Knoxville Class is made without regard to financial circumstances. To ensure qualified, diverse representation in the Leadership Class, Leadership Knoxville offers a limited amount of scholarships for individuals in non-profit organizations who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Scholarship requests are made through the program application and considered during the selection process. Before requesting a scholarship from Leadership Knoxville, individuals must consider all other potential sources for tuition assistance, such as contributions from the organizations with which they are associated. After all other potential sources of tuition assistance have been identified, Leadership Knoxville may grant scholarships for up to 50% of the tuition cost.
In addition, Leadership Knoxville offers a tuition payment schedule which enable class members to make tuition payments over a period of time.
Upon notification that you have been selected to participate in the Leadership Class, you will also be notified of the approved scholarship amount. Limited scholarship funds are available for individuals in non-profit organizations and are awarded up to 50% of tuition.
The Selection Committee will have full access to all the information submitted on your application. Letters of recommendation are not necessary.
Some people have found that completing the application took longer than anticipated and wished they had begun earlier. We encourage you to begin working on your application well before the deadline, and to use it as an opportunity to reflect on your talents, accomplishments, goals for the community, and what you hope to gain for yourself and those you serve from participation in Leadership Knoxville.
A letter will be mailed to all selected applicants by the first of July 2012.