— Explore Our PROGRAMS —
Empowering Leaders Institute (ELI)
The Empowering Leaders Institute (ELI) is a skill-based program designed to strengthen participants competencies in project management, conflict resolution, negotiation, communication, public speaking, and more.
Throughout this 10-month program, participants will receive six individual hours of professional coaching or mentoring in addition to their regular program days. They will connect with professionals from business, nonprofit and government sectors, as well as participate in a community service project. ELI develops engaged leaders at work and in the community, turning potential into powerful performance.
WHY EMPOWERING LEADERS INSTITUTE?
ELI is for the high-potential employees who are ready to focus on core leadership skills and are poised to move up in their organizations.
- Intensive skill building taught by diverse and expert faculty
- Mentoring from experienced leaders in the community and professional coaches
- Networking within the ELI class with a diverse and upwardly mobile group of future executives
- Education about the extensive resources and opportunities available in Fairfax County
- Access to over 2,500 Alumni Leaders in Northern Virginia
LEADERSHIP COACHING
Pair with a certified leadership coach or community mentor for six one-hour sessions focusing on real-world leadership techniques and challenges valued at $2,000. These sessions will take place outside of our scheduled program days.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Work in teams on short-term community service projects (CSP) for local nonprofits. Build relationships, learn from your peers and experience first-hand the opportunities to make a difference in your community. Each summer, proposals for community service projects are requested for selection by the incoming class.
ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CRITERIA
- Have been formally or informally recognized for leadership in your organization
- Commit to utilizing leadership skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of the community
- Attend the opening dinner and opening day in September
- Commit the required time to the program including the mandatory opening program days
As part of the application, you must submit a résumé and two letters of recommendation, one of which should be from your supervisor acknowledging the time commitment to the program. Please have your employer include the following statement: “As the applicant's supervisor, I certify that this person has my full support to participate in the Empowering Leaders Institute. I am aware of the time commitment and the financial obligation.”
A $100 non-refundable application fee is due at that time.
TUITION
Tuition for the ELI Program is $3,700. If accepted and enrolled into the program, you and/or your organization will be responsible for a $500 deposit to hold your spot. The remaining tuition fee is payable by the start of the program. Tuition covers:
- All program costs including meals, venues, materials, assessments, equipment and program management
- Access to membership benefits
- Two tickets to Commencement (one ticket for graduate, one ticket for guest)
TUITION ASSISTANCE
We offer limited tuition assistance, which is based on demonstrated financial need. If you indicate on your application that assistance is requested, you will receive an email link to that application. Tuition assistance requests are evaluated separately and are not a factor in the selection process.
Payment plans are available.
ELI CLASS DAYS OF 2025 - 2026
Monday, September 8, 2025 (Mandatory Opening Reception) and Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (Mandatory First Class Day)
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (Presentation Day!)
Wednesday, June 3
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
- 1 day monthly / 10 months
- Second Tuesday of the month
- 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
