Leadership Akron accepts applications to the Signature Program once a year in the spring. Applications will be available again in March of 2014.
 

Application FAQ's

1. When is the application period?  Applications will be available in March 2014. Please check back at that time. Application packages must be received (not postmarked) by 5:00 p.m. on the due date.
2. How do I submit the application?  Save the two Word documents (the Application and the Tuition and Attendance Commitment Form) to your computer.  Complete the Application on your computer; it should be no longer than 4 pages.  Print and sign the Application.  Print the Tuition and Attendance Commitment Form; complete the form, including the appropriate signatures.  A hard copy of both the Application and the Tuition and Attendance Commitment Form must be received in the Leadership Akron office by the deadline. Send a head shot (suitable for publishing) in digital format to info@leadershipakron.org. 
3. Do applicants have to be nominated? No. Nominations generate an initial group of prospective applicants, but anyone can submit an application whether or not s/he was nominated.You may nominate individuals for any of our programs here.
4. What’s tuition? Tuition for 2013-2014 is $2,500. Scholarships based on need are available.
5. Do I have to live in Akron to apply? No. Anyone who lives or works chiefly in Summit County can apply.
6. How selective is the process?  In general, there are 2-3 applicants for every spot in the class. Many candidates apply multiple times before being selected.
7. A selection committee, made up of the members of the Leadership Akron Board of Trustees, carefully reviews all submitted applications. Each candidate will have a brief informational interview with a trustee to provide additional background on their application.
8. The committee looks for applicants who:  

• Have demonstrated commitment and concern through past and present community volunteer activities.
• Have demonstrated a capacity for leadership within their own organizations through significant achievements relative to age and experience.
• Have the ability to make the time commitment required with the full support of the applicant’s employer. 

9. Other considerations: 

• We seek representation from a diverse group of men and women in business, labor, education, health care, arts, religion, government, community-based organizations, and ethnic and minority groups.
• We seek representation from all geographic areas of the greater Akron region.
• Community service in other communities is considered in the selection process.
• It is NOT a requirement to have completed any other Leadership Akron program or attended any Leadership Akron events.
• Appointment to Leadership Akron is limited. Only one candidate is selected from a business or organization in any given year.
• Due to the size restrictions of each year’s class, many well-qualified candidates will not be chosen. Applicants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years.