Application Process

Participation in LEAD Greater Williamsburg requires a serious commitment of time and energy, though we can guarantee it's worth every bit of your personal investment! The ideal candidates demonstrate a clear interest in community service. Your employer/sponsor must formally agree to permit you to make the significant time commitment, as outlined in the Program Commitments section below.

We would also like to include the following reminder: A fully completed application must be submitted to be considered.

Along with the application, the following documents will need to be provided:

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • Resume

  • Employer endorsement

Selection

Class size is limited to 25-35 participants. Selection is made by a Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce-appointed committee that considers candidates who represent a cross-section of community sectors: business, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations and ethnic/minority groups that reflect the diversity of the community. Applicants who are not accepted for a particular class may reapply.

Tuition

The enrollment fee is $1,800 for Chamber members and $2,000 for non-Chamber members. This covers all sessions, meals, and the retreat.

A limited number of partial scholarships, tuition assistance, and/or payment plans may be available for participants from small business, non-profit organizations, or self-sponsored individuals.

Program Commitments

Locations & dates will be determined soon.

Welcome Reception & Class Meeting - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

An evening to meet your classmates, recognize sponsors, and receive an overview of the class.


Class Orientation: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024

A day to officially kick off your LEAD journey: learn about the program, class project, expectations, and network with class members.

Two-Day Retreat - Thursday, September 26 & Friday, September 27, 2024

During the LEAD two-day retreat, you'll review your DiSC Personality results; present your oral autobiographies; hear from inspirational speakers; participate in team and leadership building exercises; and begin brainstorming about your class project!

Nine Full-Day Sessions - One full weekday each month (the second Wednesday, October 2024 through May 2025) + a visit to the General Assembly in January 2025

These sessions are packed full of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive activities. These "class days" are mandatory but more importantly, extremely enlightening!

You'll address topics of interest and concern in the community, including:

  • Familiarization Tour - Tourism

  • History, Culture & Media

  • Courts and Public Safety

  • Local Government, Mock City Council, and Budget Exercise

  • Health and Human Services and the Faith-Based Community

  • Pre-K to 12 and Higher Education

  • Economic Drivers: Business and Military

  • Environment and Urbanization

  • General Assembly - January 2025 - The class will take a field trip to the General Assembly in Richmond. Class members will watch to a live legislative session, tour the Capitol Building, and listen to presentations from state legislators and lobbyists.

Class Project

Every class project is different but you can expect to spend at least 40-60 additional hours on this initiative outside of regular class time.

Final-Day Class Debrief & Graduation - Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Share your feedback and suggestions for the program with the LEAD Chair, as well as the Program Coordinator during a class debrief. Then you’ll walk up to the podium graduate during a special ceremony.

Contact Information

For more information, please email us. Or contact Program Coordinator Bob Hershberger by email or phone at 757-220-2892.