Application Process

LEAD Greater Williamsburg creates opportunities for participants to enhance their leadership skills while learning more about themselves and their community. This highly interactive program features a mix of behind-the-scenes exploration of important community services, engaging team building activities, and plenty of opportunities for thoughtful reflections and discussion. Along the way, the class will participate in a service project, choosing one of a handful of pre-selected options to help address a community need.

Participation in LEAD Greater Williamsburg is an investment in yourself and your community. It requires a serious commitment of time and energy, though we can guarantee it's absolutely worth it! The goal of this program is to develop leaders who will use their knowledge and influence to enhance our community and build strong connections within and across sectors. The ideal candidates demonstrate a clear interest in exploring and sharpening their own leadership skills, as well as a strong 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 minorities, and other under-represented groups that reflect the diversity of our community. Applicants who are not accepted for a particular class may reapply.

Tuition

The enrollment fee is $2,000 for Chamber members and $2,200 for non-Chamber members. This covers all sessions, meals, transportation, and the retreat.

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

Program Commitments

Locations & dates will be determined soon.

Welcome Reception & Class Meeting - Wednesday, May 20, 2026

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

Class Orientation: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026

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 24 & Friday, September 25, 2026

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 discussing your service project!

Nine Full-Day Sessions - One full weekday each month (the second Wednesday, October 2026 through May 2027) + a visit to the General Assembly in January 2026

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 2026 - 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 19, 2027

Share your feedback and suggestions for the program with the LEAD Chair, as well as the Program Coordinator during a class debrief. Then we will celebrate your successful completion of the program with a special graduation ceremony.

Contact Information

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

Apply Today!