Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to attend the program?

Applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by their employer, another community member or organization.

How am I selected for the program?

A selection committee comprised of board members and Leadership Winston-Salem graduates carefully review each application and decide who will be invited to participate in the upcoming program. Individuals with a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and/or who bring special leadership qualities and life experience to the class mix make good candidates. We strive for a dynamic class with a wide range of profit and not-for-profit employment, leadership experience, age, ethnicity, gender, and time in the community.

It is not uncommon for applicants to apply multiple times before being selected for the program, often due to number of applicants, their commitment to community involvement, and the goal of creating a diverse class of participants for maximum impact.

What is the time commitment?

The success of the Leadership Winston-Salem experience depends upon the commitment of each participant to be present and fully participate in each program day as well as pre-work and action learning projects between sessions.

On average, each participant should expect to invest:

9 hours per month for program days throughout a nine-month timeframe
8-12 hours each month in pre-work assignments and action learning team project work. (This will vary in accordance with each project team’s choices)

Who else has gone through the program?

See the list of Leadership Alumni by clicking on the Alumni tab.

What does the program require of me?

Each participant is expected to attend all program sessions, arrive on time and stay for the entirety.

More important, the program requires that you bring an open mind, and willingness to listen and seek to understand other perspectives, and a commitment to serve your community. We ask that you contribute to discussion AND give others an opportunity to contribute as well.

This is a unique experience. Many alumni emphasize that you will get out of it what you put into it. So we ask that you fully engage, build trust with your classmates, and embrace new experiences/perspectives.

If accepted, how many sessions can I miss?

If an unavoidable conflict arises, a participant may miss one day and still complete the program. However, attendance at the Opening Retreat and the Closing Session is mandatory.

Who is this program for?

This program is for both established and emerging leaders from all walks of life. The ideal candidate is a middle or upper level leader in business, education, government or not-for-profit organizations or a strong volunteer leader; a life-long learner; open to new experiences and perspectives; already volunteering in the community in a significant way; and willing and able to make a commitment to improve his/her community.

How will I know if I’m qualified?

The selection committee will be seeking men and women in Forsyth County:

Who represent a cross-section of the community including business, government, health care, arts, nonprofit, and community organizations as well as diversity in gender, age, race and ethnicity;
Who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the community through collaborative leadership;
Who have the time to fully participate in the program including all pre-work and action learning projects;
Who are open to other perspectives, to learning, and to further developing servant leader skills;
Who have the intention, upon completion of the program, to seek community leadership opportunities and to be personally involved in collaboratively shaping the future of this community

We encourage you to apply if you have a desire to connect with others and serve your community. The selection committee will determine who is in each class. Applicants often apply over multiple years, which may not relate to whether or not they are qualified, but instead pertains more to achieving the right mix of participants in a given class.

What is the tuition?

Tuition is $3,000 per person.

Are scholarships available?

We offer some partial scholarships based on financial need and available funds. Many participants have enjoyed the Leadership Winston-Salem experience thanks to scholarship assistance. Scholarship decisions are not made until after the class is selected.

What’s in it for me?

Leaders and emerging leaders who attend this program come away with a wealth of relevant knowledge about their community as well as the skills, passion and impetus to make a difference. They have the added benefit of interacting with key community leaders and engaging in team projects to solve community dilemmas while enhancing their leadership skills and giving back to the community.

One of the most powerful outcomes of participation in this program is the richness of life-long, diverse relationships developed. Speakers in each class day are community leaders, many of whom graduated from the program. Other alumni of Leadership Winston-Salem facilitate each day and are people to whom graduates may turn without hesitation.

What is the return on investment for me?

Given the quality of content and the caliber of speakers throughout the program, a pragmatic quantification of these activities reflecting comparable one-day programs would normally be $1,000 or more, for a total program cost of $10,000+. With a $3,000 tuition fee, the return on investment is more than three times the cost of the initial investment for the individual, the sponsoring organization, and the community-at-large.

Is there an age limit?

Participant ages have ranged from the 20s to the 70s.

What is the minimum management level?

We look for both emerging and established leaders, with the right mix providing the richest experiences. The ideal candidate is a middle or upper level leader in business, education, government or not-for-profit organizations or a strong volunteer leader.