Leadership Kentucky

Leadership Kentucky joins together a selected group of leaders, with a variety of career accomplishments and volunteer activities, to gain insight into complex issues facing the state. In a series of seven monthly, three-day sessions held at various locations throughout the state, participants meet with Kentucky leaders and explore the state’s resources and opportunities. Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage and unique diversity are woven throughout the leadership curriculum. Since 1985, Leadership Kentucky graduates have brought an enlightened and informed perspective to their communities and companies, serving as important catalysts in the unified effort to improve our state.

The Leadership Kentucky program consists of a three-day mandatory Opening Retreat in June, and monthly three day programs beginning in July and ending in December that take place in various communities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  

Participants meet and talk with Kentucky’s current leaders and through a systematic educational program, explore the state’s opportunities, needs, and resources. Kentucky’s rich cultural heritage and its unique diversity are woven throughout the curriculum that features the state’s economy, education, health and human services, law and justice, and environment. In addition, Leadership Kentucky provides a thought-provoking experience focusing on the attributes of leadership and what it means to be a leader. By visiting various regions of the Commonwealth, the participants develop an enhanced view and a new meaning to the word community that spans the entire state.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions.  Participants missing more than one session without a commitment of making up sessions or if the participant is not engaged, he/she may be asked to withdraw or involuntarily removed from the program and tuition shall not be refunded.

Application process

The application window for the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023 is now CLOSED. Are you interested in the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024? Do you know an exceptional leader that should be in the next "best class ever?" Contact us at lky@leadershipky.org. 

How to apply:

• If interested in participating in the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2024, the participant must first be nominated.
• You can self-nominate or nominate someone else. 
• Once nominated, the participant will be sent application instructions via e-mail on a rolling basis beginning in January. You can only access the application if you have been nominated.
• You will need 3 letters of recommendation for a completed application file. These do not have to be submitted at the same time as the application. There is also a $50 application fee payable via PayPal.
• The application window will open in December/January.
•    A private selection committee reviews each application and selects the class members in late March.

The application is to be taken seriously. A highly rated application features three great letters of recommendation, active community and career involvement, and thoughtful answers. All applications will be judged on their merit alone (and not any accompanying attachments). When applying, please take your time and be as thorough and thoughtful in your answers as possible. No incomplete applications (including those with missing references) will be considered.

Tuition

Tuition for the Leadership Kentucky 2023 program is $4,200.00.

The tuition does not include lodging and/or transportation to/from program sessions.

Scholarships – Up to 50% of tuition and payment plans may be available based on financial needs. Scholarship forms can be requested and will only be accepted after the participant is notified of acceptance into the program. Please note that the need for financial assistance is not a consideration in the selection process. Information about Leadership Kentucky’s Scholarship policy is available at any time from our office.