Leadership Centre County is an educational program whose intent is to develop community leadership potential in emerging and existing leaders throughout the county. Through a succession of 9 program days, class participants are exposed to the various aspects of the community to include history, health and human services, governance, economy, environment, education, and the arts. In addition, throuhgout the program there is the opportunity to cultivate communication skills and dialogue with community leaders.

No, not in the expected sense. LCC does not teach management or leadership skills. Learning is focused on problem-solving, specific information about and ways to make a contribution to the community.

Candidates for class participation are concerned about the future. The future of their neighborhoods, their schools, their environment, their community planning and infrastructure and the quality of life in Centre County. They are interested in learning more about the history of the region and how to best leave a lasting legacy. They want involvement – but don't yet know how best to do that. Leadership Centre County is a key learning experience enabling them to make an informed choice.

Nominations for new class members are accepted year-round from LCC alumni and community members. In January, nominees are notified and directed to LCC's web page to formally apply. The applications are reviewed by the recruitment and selection committee and selected class members are duly notified of their inclusion in the next class. Contact the Executive Director at 238-5559 for more information.

Leadership Centre County has a small operating budget supported primarily by tuition revenue. Naturally, tuition increases as operating costs go up. The tuition for the class of 2010 will be $1700. For the most part, participants' employers cover the cost of tuition, however in those cases where this is not true, scholarship funding is available to partially offset the tuition.

Participants have noted over the years that although they might have lived in Centre County all their lives or for a number of years – they are surprised and delighted to discover hidden facets of our community through their participation in the program. Faculty are well chosen for their level of expertise, various field trips provide unique experiences, and the attention to detail devoted to the development of each program day curriculum ensures constant learning and "ah hah" experiences. In addition, the bonding and networking with the members of the class forges relationships that endure years beyond – laying groundwork for friendships, networking, collaboration and future employment opportunities. Last but not least, members' participation in the program is essential to their decision as to how they can best serve the community. They are no longer throwing darts at the board – they have a clearer sense where they fit in, how to get involved, what organization can best use their special talents, who to call and what the commitment will look like.

The commitment to attend eleven (11) program days a year is a huge one for most folks.

Participants and their employers must be willing to commit the necessary time to participate in the Leadership Centre County program. Attendance at a mandatory two-day retreat (scheduled on a non-football weekend in the fall) is used to discuss communications as a tool in leadership effectiveness and to unite the class prior to the program day series. The role in understanding the relationships between their community and the county-at-large becomes clearer. Thereafter, the program days are held at locations throughout the county on the first Wednesday of the month.

New members sign a commitment form upon acceptance into the class pledging attendance at the mandatory orientation reception event in September and the fall retreat. In addition they are required to attend 8 of the 9 remaining programs days in order to graduate.