"I benefited greatly from the interaction and diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences within my class. LGR really encouraged me to become more involved in Leadership roles and to bring others along with me in a quest to make a difference in the community."

-Jonse Young, LGR 2005

2012-2013 Day Session Program Dates

• September 13, 2012
• September 21-22, 2012
• October 18, 2012
• November 15, 2012
• December 13, 2012
• January 17, 2013
• February 14, 2013
• March 21, 2013
• April 18, 2013
• May 17, 2013

Application process

Click here for a writable PDF version of the LGR 2013 Application.

A couple of quick tips:

-open the link;
-save application to your desktop (with a filename you create);
-before opening application on your desktop, right-click on it;
-choose 'open with';
-choose Reader (this is Adobe Reader)*;
-complete and hit SUBMIT APPLICATION
*If you are using a Mac, it may not have Adobe Reader . Simply google and download, the software is free and allows a Mac to complete PDF forms.

Generally, over 70 applications are received for the class' 35 spots.  Candidate's are selected based on a broad range of criteria, including their ability to impact the community and represent their sector.

Learn More

If you want to learn more about how LGR can enhance your leadership skills, provide you with a comprehensive understanding of our community and connect you to other leaders, contact CCL's director Jordan O'Neil at 616.771.0317.

Leadership Grand Rapids

Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from business, non-profits and government. For more than 20 years, the program has empowered participants with a comprehensive understanding of our community's challenges and opportunities, providing a broader knowledge of the community and their role as community trustees.

LGR is designed for current and emerging leaders who have the capacity to make a positive impact in the community. The program brings together a diverse group of professionals from financial services, education, manufacturing, healthcare, the arts, community organizations, government and other sectors. You'll acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be more effective as a leader in your organization and the community.

"LGR is the only place where you can get an overview of the GR community that focuses on all its populations, its needs and the systems in place to address them." - Victor Vasquez (LGR 1989), Retired - City of Grand Rapids

LGR is the ideal program if you want to:

- Enhance your connection to other community leaders. 
- Broaden your knowledge of the community.
- Strengthen your leadership skills.
- Understand the community as a system.
- Explore the diversity of leadership styles in our community.

Understand Grand Rapids as a Community

LGR's unique format makes Grand Rapids the classroom. The program begins and ends with two-day retreats in September and May. From October through April, the class meets for a full-day session, generally the third Thursday of each month. The day sessions examine:

• Public Safety
• Social Services
• Quality Education
• Public Safety
• Community Health
• Economic Prosperity
• Quality of Life
• Environmental Stewardship
• Community Trusteeship
• Philanthropy

The sessions include tours, presentations, group projects and discussions with leaders from each sector. You'll learn first-hand what is happening in each sector and how they are interrelated. This format can't be found anywhere else and would take years to duplicate on your own. In nine months, you'll view events in Grand Rapids in a new and deeper way and better understand your role as a community trustee.

"LGR strengthened my interest in key sectors such as healthcare and higher education and helped me align my interests with the needs of the community." - Dana Sommers (LGR 1986), President - Grotenhuis

Expand Your Social and Professional Network

Over the course of each day session, you'll develop a broad network of new social and professional contacts. With these contacts, you'll operate more effectively as a leader in the community and in your organization.

"LGR exposed me to a whole new pool of people that have dramatically impacted my life. These connections will impact me both professionally and socially for years to come." - Tina Collins (LGR 2004), Manager, The Armada Group

Enhance Your Leadership Skills

LGR will sharpen key leadership skills and capacities such as inquiry, dialogue and listening - skills that are critical to your professional career and your role as a community trustee. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the leadership styles at work in our community and a better awareness of your particular style. You'll learn how to collaborate with other leaders, take your leadership skills to a new level and build the capacity to lead in others.

"LGR taught me to read the story behind the headlines in the news - the information and resources that were made available to us in LGR have made me much more aware, informed, and active in the community." - Micki Benz (LGR 1989), Vice President - Saint Mary's Health Care

Benefits of Being a LGR Alum

After you graduate, you'll join a diverse network of over 1,000 CCL program alumni. The numerous community contacts you acquire will benefit you long after you graduate from the program.

Alumni have the opportunity to attend exclusive tours, presentations and workshops to enhance their leadership skills throughout the year. These events will reconnect you with fellow graduates and continue your learning as a community trustee.

"As LGR graduates, we're in this work of community-building together. We must have broad and deep civic engagement to be catalysts for change." - George Heartwell (LGR 1992), Mayor - City of Grand Rapids

How Do I Apply?

Applications are accepted the first Monday in February through the first Friday in May. Candidates are selected based on a broad range of criteria. Special consideration is given to each individual's community involvement, their capacity to be a community trustee and the sector (ie. banking, non-profit, healthcare, etc.) they represent. A Selection Committee interviews each candidate, and the class is named in July.

The program's tuition is $2,500 and each class is limited to 35 individuals. Although most candidates are sponsored by their employers, a limited number of partial scholarships are available.

"I applied to LGR because I could not afford not to. LGR is a must if you want to really know and work effectively in our community!" - Dave Medema (LGR 1989), President - Pondera Advisors, LLC