OVERVIEW

The ten-month program begins with a two-day orientation in September and culminates with a graduation ceremony in June.  In between, class members attend one full-day session per month.  At each session, state and local business and community leaders will share their knowledge through lively discussions and activities that highlight real situations, needs and opportunities within the metro area. Leadership Charleston also offers first-hand experience through site visits and operational tours of area facilities. Past visits have included the South Carolina General Assembly/Statehouse, Lieber Correctional Institution, Joint Base Charleston, SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic, Port of Charleston, ReadySC, Charleston International Airport, Project SeaHawk. Session topics are presented through lively debate, lectures, discussion groups, field experiences, simulations, workshops and case studies. Topics may include:
• Education and workforce development
• Government and politics
• Infrastructure
• Port of Charleston
• Criminal Justice
• Economic Development
• Health Care
• Human Services
• Military

Click here to apply for the Class of 2014.

 

 

GUIDELINES

Attendance and Class Days: Class sessions are held once every month between October and June. Class sessions are full one-day programs. Participants may not miss more than (2) two full sessions. Attendance at the Orientation/Retreat is mandatory. In addition, participants will be required to take part in enrichment activities and a class project.

Selection Criteria and Application Review: Chamber membership is required to register for Leadership Charleston. The program is intended as a value-added benefit of Chamber membership. Applications will be blindly evaluated and rated by a selection committee of Leadership Charleston Alumni. The selection criteria are civic involvement, leadership potential, diversity of perspective and commitment to the leadership program and the community. The class size is limited to 50 members and to no more than one employee per company or organization.

Tuition: Tuition in the Leadership Charleston program is $2,650. Full payment or arrangements for payments must be made by August 31. Reimbursement of tuition will not be granted after the retreat.

Scholarship/Financial Assistance: Partial scholarship funds may be available, based on need, and will be considered only after candidate selection is made. Applicants should indicate request for financial assistance on their application and attach a statement of financial need.

 

 

ACTIVITIES

Orientation-Retreat
Leadership Charleston is built on strong fundamental leadership principles. At the two-day Orientation-Retreat held in September, attendees will participate in a number of interactive, team-building activities designed to demonstrate the dynamics of effective leadership. The retreat allows class members to push themselves and provides the skills and confidence necessary to be effective leaders.

 

Enrichment Activities
Enrichment opportunities abound within the Leadership Charleston program. A primary goal of the Leadership Charleston program is to encourage individuals to engage in their community. Participants are encouraged to attend public meetings within the tri-county region. These could be anything from a County or City Council meeting to School District Board meetings, to PTA meetings, to other types of public forums.

 

LEADERSHIP ALUMNI

After the Program-- Leadership Alumni

Graduates of the Leadership Charleston program are invited to continue their Leadership Charleston experience by participating as an Alumni member. The Alumni rganization will remain an active and vital part of the ongoing advocacy issues facing the region. The program's vision is to serve as the catalyst for progressive and effective leadership in the community. The Leadership Charleston Alumni Organization is open to anyone who has completed the year-long Leadership Charleston program.

There are over 1,900 graduates of Leadership Charleston, representing all facets of the community, with members from the public sector, private businesses of all sizes, and the non-profit sector. The mission is to positively impact our community by connecting and inspiring leadership in the region. The Alumni organization will exposes members to other community leaders who are interested in continuing to contribute to the community and the Chamber. Leadership Alumni have the ability to meet and address critical community issues, provide opportunities for members to network and plan community involvement.

Those active in the Leadership Charleston Alumni organization will contribute to the betterment of the region through its diverse network of educated, socially responsible and engaged civic leaders. The association will ensure the goals of the Leadership Charleston program are being accomplished and provide a next-level experience for Alumni and make a positive impact on Charleston.

Leadership Charleston Alumni organization enables graduates to:
• Continue relationships formed during the program as well as helps to encourage networking between emerging and established leaders
• Remain informed on community and county wide issues
• Assist in designing future leadership programs
• Provide connecting opportunities for graduates of the program to maintain and enhance their relationships with each other and the community
• Actively work to advance the community through advocacy on key issues
• Provide a greater understanding and a broader perspective of key issues in Charleston
• Increase the understanding of community needs and appreciation of the role community history plays in current decision-making

Join the ranks of our distinguished alumni! In the 38 years that the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has sponsored Leadership Charleston, over 1,600 people have graduated from the program. These alumni have gone on to become business leaders, city council members, non-profit board members, community advocates, school board members and small business owners. As we look to the challenges ahead in 2013, make sure that you stay a part of the action!

Join the Leadership Charleston Alumni Organization Please note there are eligibility requirements for membership primarily that you must be a graduate of the Leadership Charleston program. If you have a question regarding your eligibility, please contact Jeremy Cauthen at 843.805.3075 for further information.

Membership - $100 (USD) Subscription period 1 year

Leadership Alumni Directory(Coming Soon)
The Directory of Alumni Members will help you keep in touch with both your classmates and other graduates with interests similar to yours. You can help keep our Alumni database current by notifying us of any updates to your contact info.{/contabs}