LEADERSHIP Core
Through a series of intensive seminars, the Core Program experience enhances civic knowledge and self-awareness and enriches leadership skills.
- Candidates are considered with all of the following items submitted:
- Once an application is received and reviewed, candidates are scheduled for an interview. Interviews take place in-person, March through June.
- If accepted, tuition of $9,200 is due no later than August 15, 2025.
This tuition is non-refundable if candidate withdraws.
- The Core Class consists of 11 full day sessions (most will run from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm).
- For questions about the program or the application process, contact Angela Tillar: atillar@leadershipphiladelphia.org or (215) 893-9999.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is to your advantage to apply early.
The 2026 Core application deadline is May 16, 2025.
Core Class of 2025
The Core Program Experience
Since 1959, Leadership Philadelphia has been the cornerstone of civic leadership development, empowering individuals to drive positive change in our city. We offer a transformative experience that blends essential leadership skills with a deep understanding of Philadelphia’s unique landscape.
The Core Program: An Immersive Leadership Journey
Experience a dynamic and engaging program designed to cultivate impactful leaders:
- Established Legacy: Join a prestigious network built over six decades of leadership excellence.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge encompassing:
- Leadership Skills: Communication, decision-making, problem-solving, team management, conflict resolution.
- Civic Engagement: Understanding local government, community needs, and advocating for change.
- Ethical Leadership: Emphasizing integrity, accountability, and community benefit.
- Community Dynamics: Building relationships and collaborating across diverse perspectives.
- Data Analysis & Advocacy: Utilizing data to inform solutions and advocate for resources.
- Personal Development: Enhancing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.
- Eleven Full-Day Seminars: Immerse yourself in key civic topics and leadership development from September to June.
- Integrated Learning: Each session combines:
- Civic Immersion: Deep dives into Philadelphia’s critical challenges and opportunities, including:
- Arts and Culture
- Economic Development
- Education
- History
- Social Determinants of Health
- Public/Private Partnerships
- Public Spaces
- Leadership & Trustee Skills Development: Focused training in areas such as:
- Values-based Leadership
- Connecting
- Emotional Intelligence
- Aligning with Purpose
- Legacy
- Self-Awareness
- Nonprofit Trusteeship
- Personalized Growth: Receive individual skills assessments and feedback to strategically align your development with your personal and professional goals.
- Experiential Learning: Engage in a hands-on community project, connecting theory to practice through service learning.
- Strong Cross-Sector Relationships: Build lasting connections with a diverse cohort of leaders, fostering profound relationships within the city.
- Continuous Improvement: Each meeting and speaker is evaluated to ensure the program consistently meets the evolving needs of our participants.
Prospective Participants and Sponsors
Qualified candidates are seasoned individuals with leadership skills and a drive to take responsibility for improving the quality of life in the region. Generally, more than half of the class has earned MBAs or MAs, and more than a quarter of the class hold JD or PhD credentials. Each nominee should be prominent within his or her organization, have the sponsor’s personal endorsement, be prepared to commit time to participate in the program, and intend to stay in the region. Admission is competitive. Tuition for the 2025-2026 program year is $9,200.
Benefits to Sponsor Organizations
- Broadens your employee’s network of professional contacts
- Affords fast-track employees additional recognition
- Raises employee’s profile among professional peers
- Introduces employee to community leaders
- Provides valued employees with leadership training
Benefits to Participants
- Broadens scope and diversity of professional network with access to over 4,000 alumni
- Provides a unique Individual Development Plan
- Enhances knowledge of civic issues and leaders
- Provides insider access to a sample of the city’s iconic institutions and leaders
- Places participant on a non-profit board or committee
- Heightens self awareness, self confidence, and more connections
Benefits to Community
- Creates and nurtures a network of informed leaders
- Strengthens public/private partnership
- Weaves new leaders into the region’s civic fabric
- Links corporate resources with community organizations
- Reduces “six degrees of separation” in order to get work done
