FAQs

A: Our flagship program runs from October 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: 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: Cost for the Flagship program is $1,300 per person and is the responsibility of the flagship member. It includes program materials, meals, snacks, and room rentals. It does not include the cost of overnight room accommodations for the retreat or transportation. 

Cost for the Youth program is $1,500 per person and is covered in full thanks to generous support from alumni, partners, and organizations. Included is program materials, transportation, meals, snacks, and room rentals

If you need assistance paying for Leadership Athens County, please contact program staff for scholarship information.

A: We typically select 20-30 leaders for both of our programs.

Our youth program has 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 selection committee review and recommendation. 

Since the cohort must attempt to foster an environment of authenticity, vulnerability, and bravery to learn and grow consideration is given to age, gender, occupation, leadership experience/roles, place of residence, race, ethnicity, and nationality.

A: Yes! For our programs, we will feature three different retreats – opening, mid-program, and closing. New this year - our mid-program retreat will be a shared experience betwen both cohorts!