Emerging Leaders Institute

Who Should Apply?

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. 

Goals of the Emerging Leaders Institute

• 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 2,000 Alumni Leaders in Northern Virginia

Leadership Coaching

Pair with a certified leadership coach for six one-hour sessions focusing on real-world leadership techniques and challenges (value $1,200-$2,000).

Community Service Projects

Work in teams on short-term community service projects (CSP) for a local nonprofit. Build relationships, learn from your peers and experience first-hand the opportunities to make a difference in your community. Each year, in the summer, proposals for community service projects are requested for selection by the incoming class.
For CSP submission details, Click here.

Program Commitment

• 1 day monthly / 10 months
• Second Tuesday of the month
• 9:00 am - 4:30 pm 

Eligibility

Individuals who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership, an interest in community service and a willingness to commit time to the ELI program are invited to apply. All applicants 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 Emerging Leaders Institute. I am aware of the time commitment and the financial obligation.” 

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:

• have been formally or informally recognized for leadership in your organization or in the community
• be willing to commit the required time to the program
• be ready to learn leadership competencies and skills
• be committed to utilizing leadership skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of the community
  
• attend the opening dinner and opening day in September
  

Tuition

Tuition for the Emerging Leaders Program is $3,500. If accepted and enrolled into the program, you and/or your organization will be obligated for the full tuition fee of $3,500 payable by the start of the program.

Tuition covers all program costs, plus:

• the opening dinner for the ELI program
  
• complimentary invitation to the annual alumni reception
  
• member pricing on Leadership Fairfax events including the NVLA luncheon and Board of Supervisors Breakfast
  
• two tickets to Commencement (one ticket for graduate, one ticket for guest)
  

Tuition assistance

We offer limited tuition assistance, 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.