Leadership Columbia Class of 2025 applications now open

What is Leadership Columbia?
Leadership Columbia is the region’s signature leadership program offered through the Columbia Chamber. Since its inception in 1972, Leadership Columbia has nurtured and engaged the leadership skills of current and potential leaders by providing diverse opportunities for professional development, community involvement, and networking.

The 10-month program includes a required two-day retreat, nine monthly day-long sessions, a collaborative class project, and a variety of enrichment activities all designed to educate participants on critical issues facing the community while providing opportunities for deeper involvement in and around the greater Columbia region. Through hands-on experiences, Leadership Columbia participants fully explore topics including: education; politics and government; arts and culture; economic development; health and human services; criminal justice and law enforcement; military affairs; recreation; and the environment and tourism.

Each year approximately 60 professionals are selected to participate in the class based on community involvement, capacity for leadership, commitment to improving the Midlands, and an interest in enhancing their leadership skills. The selection process is competitive with candidates completing an online application and in-person interview that are evaluated by a panel of Leadership Columbia alumni. Upon graduation, class participants are invited and encouraged to join the more than 2,000 alumni serving the Midlands and communities all over the United States.

Benefits of Applying to Leadership Columbia

• Develop and fine-tune your leadership skills.
• Enhance your knowledge of the greater Columbia region through educational hands-on experiences and exclusive interactions with community decision-makers.
• Gain valuable insight on the community’s critical issues and learn how to get involved to make a difference.
• Build a lasting network of civic-minded leaders.

Employer Benefits  

Having employees apply for Leadership Columbia is a great way to get your business more involved with the Midlands community. By investing in your employees, they will gain pertinent leadership skills while building a professional network of people and businesses. Participants will have opportunities throughout the year to connect with influential community and business leaders. Every class day, project session, or event is a new opportunity for your business to grow and connect.