Participation in Leadership Howard County provided me with an excellent education about our community. Each year, participants from the college confirm what an invaluable experience it was for them, engaging them and providing opportunities to meet others interested in serving Howard County!
The valuable network of business and community leaders created through Leadership Howard County helps to sustain and support the mission of many nonprofit organizations. Leadership is a vital part of the fabric of our community, raising awareness of critical issues and helping leaders become involved in creating solutions.
Leadership Howard County's signature program draws together business and community leaders from diverse backgrounds to examine and discuss challenging issues while enhancing their leadership skills. Beginning with a weekend retreat in September, participants learn to challenge their own assumptions, and get to know classmates who will add their own perspectives. In the following monthly full-day sessions, participants will learn through site visits, projects, and dialogues with key decision makers, how the county works and how to access vital resources. The program emphasizes experiential learning, requiring participants to immerse themselves in community programs, and to work in small learning groups to study complex issues affecting all citizens. Through these real world projects, participants enhance their leadership insights and learn how to effect real change.
This is a 10-month tuition-based program, running from September to June.
The Value of Leadership
One of the many benefits of the Leadership program is the network of relationships that participants develop. Close connections among classmates, and the alumni network of nearly 1,000 graduates, create a deep pool of resources and talent to solve problems and enhance the community. Graduates maintain these relationships through a well developed Alumni Program of activities and speakers.
Employers also realize benefits from investing in Leadership on behalf of their employees. The leadership skills and community connections developed through this intensive program are valuable resources for businesses and organizations. Being well connected and showing a high level of corporate citizenship raises the profile of participating employers and sponsors.
Who Participates?
Each class consists of 40 - 45 individuals, who are selected from a cross-section of the community: large and small business, government, education, health care and nonprofits including the arts, human services, and faith-based groups. Applicants must live or work in Howard County. They may be nominated by a graduate of LHC or by another community leader, or may nominate themselves.
Candidates should hold a position of responsibility or leadership in their jobs or volunteer organization, and should have a record of civic activity or demonstrated interest in the well being of Howard County.
Applicants must have the full support (financial and time commitment) of the organization or corporation they represent. They must also commit to the opening weekend retreat and monthly sessions. LHC’s Selection Committee reviews applications and selects participants, based upon the merits of the written application and, in most instances, a personal interview
The core program for Leadership Howard County is its ten-month leadership development program with an intense curriculum of civic information and leadership development. Through site visits, lectures and informal discussion, participants learn how major decisions are made and who makes them. The program also utilizes a team-building overnight retreat that allows participants to examine the concepts of leadership.
The program covers topics such as:
The Leadership Howard County alumni network is remarkable resource of colleagues who share a common interest in community engagement. They are at the forefront of many of the current discussions in Howard County on growth and development, human services, economic impact, and more.
Alumni have the opportunity to stay connected through informative bimonthly programs and events, an annual issues forum and our annual Big Event. Many also take part in activities with other community leadership groups in our region, and several are graduates of Leadership Maryland.
Alumni also stay actively involved in the many committees and programs that keep Leadership Howard County a vibrant and dynamic organization.
