FAQs

A: Our flagship program runs from September until May, with a two-day mandatory overnight retreat. Eight hours of attendance are required for each program day as listed in the schedule, and participants may be asked to participate further (no more than 2 hours per month) with other cohort members, or in preparation or follow up. This may include consuming additional materials, holding a discussion, or working on a service project. Total commitment is 96 hours of required time, including the overnight retreat, with potential for up to 16 additional hours.

Our youth program runs from October until May, with a two-day mandatory retreat (no overnight required.) Seven hours of attendance are required for each program day as listed in the schedule. Participants will not be asked for additional time. Total commitment is 67.5 hours.

Since emergencies arise, participants are allowed one absence. More than one absence may make you ineligible to graduate with your class. If you cannot fulfill this requirement, please delay your application until you can make the commitment.

A: Yes! For our flagship program, we will feature three different retreats – opening, mid-program, and closing. Our youth program will have an opening retreat and closing retreat.

A: For our flagship program, many employers pay for their employees to attend this program and encourage their participation. It is valuable professional development: building leadership, networking, and learning more deeply about the Athens County community. Some folks opt to take personal time.

For our youth program, our program director and school officials coordinate the absence during the school day. Students may be subject to make-up work from the time missed and must adhere to school policy regarding absences.

A: We typically select 20-25 Athens County leaders for our flagship program. Our youth program will likely follow similar parameters – with a special focus on equal numbers from representative school districts. 

A: Recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, ages, and experiences, each cohort is carefully selected to create a diverse, dynamic, and cohesive group through committee review. The cohort must attempt to foster an environment of authenticity, vulnerability, and safety to learn and grow. Therefore, consideration is given to age, gender, occupation, leadership experience/roles, place of residence, race, ethnicity, and nationality.