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The link to the application for the Leadership Springfield Class of 2025 will become active and be available April 1. Once active, after clicking on the link, you will need to create your login credentials to access the online application. This will allow you the opportunity to save your application progress, log out and return to continue or to make edits if necessary. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 30, 2025. Review of applications will begin in July. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in late July.
Application Process
Each Leadership Springfield (LS) class is selected based on an application evaluation process.
Leadership Springfield is a Chamber program and applicants from member businesses will be given first consideration. If additional spots are available, non-members will be considered. The application evaluation process consists of the following criteria: professional and personal achievement, essay responses, and demonstrated leadership potential.
While the time commitment for the participant can be significant, the amount of time the participant spends away from the office is only a half day per week from September through mid-December. There is an additional time commitment to complete the required team projects which averages approximately 10 hours outside of program sessions.
Minimum Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency
- Live or work in Sangamon County
- Must have at least 2 years experience of full-time employment
Graduation Requirements
- Attend Orientation session.
- Attend at least 12 of 14 weekly program sessions outlined in the Program Dates section.
- Actively work and participate in meeting with project team throughout the program with completion and deliverables by the final program day.
Program Dates - Class of 2025
| Program Orientation | September 3, 2025 (Wed) | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | ||
| Weekly Sessions | September 4, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.. | ||
| September 11, 20250 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.. | |||
| September 18, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| September 25, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| October 2, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| October 9, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.. | |||
| October 16, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| October 23, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| October 30, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| November 6, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| November 13, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| November 20, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| December 4, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| December 11, 2025 | 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |||
| Graduation | January 30, 2026 (Fri) tentative | Presentation at Chamber Annual Gala |
Tuition
Tuition for each participant in Leadership Springfield is $950 for Chamber members and $1,350 for non-members.
If a non-member wants to increase their chance of acceptance into the program, they may join the Chamber at the time of application and, if selected, pay the member tuition rate. Should the applicant not be accepted into the program, Chamber dues will not be refunded. Non-members interested in this option should contact David Earhart (217.525.1173 x215 or dearhart@gscc.org) at the time of application.
Tuition is due upon receipt of invoice and must be PAID IN FULL BY AUGUST 15.
Tuition Assistance
Leadership Springfield is able to offer a limited amount of financial assistance. Those requiring assistance must fill out the appropriate section of the application. Applicants from Chamber member businesses will be given first consideration for assistance. Requests for assistance are confidential and have no bearing on the selection process.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 30, 2025.
Questions
For more information, please contact David Earhart at 217.525.1173 x215 or dearhart@gscc.org.