Class Experience

 

The Leadership Buffalo Class Experience is a year-long program. The 2025 program will be rolled out in the fall. The program consists of monthly full-day sessions and two overnight retreats. The program is designed for individuals from corporations, small /entrepreneurial businesses, civic and community organizations and non-profits who are currently serving in a leadership role.

 

Applications must be received by November 1, 2024. There is a non-refundable $75 application fee for all applications. For the application to be considered, applicants must:

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates wishing to apply for tuition assistance must complete the Application for Financial Assistance, available here.

2025 Schedule

January 8 – Welcome Reception

January 16 and 17 – Opening Retreat

February 5 – Hunger and Poverty

March 12 – Education* 

March 19 - LBU

April 9 – Criminal and Social Justice   

May 13 – Arts, Culture, History, and Tourism* 

May 21 - LBU

June 4 – LBU

July 16 – Environment and Ecology*

July 23 – LBU

August 20 – Neighborhood and Transportation* 

September 10 – Economic and Workforce Development* 

September 17 – LBU

October 8 – Healthcare

November 13 and 14 – Closing Retreat

December 3 – Graduation  

*Indicates sessions combined with the Rising Leaders cohort.

 

Exploring What Matters

Key issues and topics are explored throughout the program year providing an in-depth view of the critical issues facing our community. These are experienced by sharing hands-on experiences and networking with other leaders in the Buffalo Niagara community.

Such topics include Hunger and Poverty, Education, Criminal and Social Justice, Diversity, Arts and Culture, Neighborhood Discovery, Transportation, Economic Development, Ecology and Environment, and Health Care.

Tools to Make Change

Each participant will have the opportunity to create action by utilizing newly found knowledge.

Team projects are developed at the conclusion of the program year. Projects are sustainable providing continued support of the community and engagement with classmates.

Being a Better Leader

The program environment is a non-traditional form of learning. The city is our "classroom".

Throughout the year, personality assessments are conducted and participants work in teams to challenge and strengthen their leadership skills. The year focuses on Servant Leadership traits and relies on experiential learning.

2025 Applications

Applications must be received by November 1, 2024. There is a non-refundable $75 application fee for all applications. For the application to be considered, applicants must:

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

 

Tuition

Tuition for Class Experience is $5,600. Tuition is non-refundable. Upon acceptance, a $1,000 non-refundable payment toward tuition is required no later than December 8, 2024. Unless special arrangements have been made with the CEO, the remainder of tuition must be received in full by January 10, 2025

 

Scholarships

A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available and are determined by need. Candidates wishing to apply for tuition assistance must complete the Application for Financial Assistance, available here. This must be completed by November 1, 2024, to be considered.

 

Please Note

Applications do not guarantee acceptance. In addition, telephone or in-person interviews will be conducted with all applicants.