Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much time will it take to commit to this program?
Our flagship program runs from September until May of the following year, 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 in additional time (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 up to 16 additional hours.
Our youth program runs from October until May the following year, with a two-day mandatory retreat (no overnight required.) Seven hour of attendance are required for each program day as listed in the schedule. Participants will not be asked for additional time. Total hours committed 67.5.
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.
Q: Will there be retreats for 2024-2025?
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.
Q: How do most people take the time off for this program?
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.
Q: How many people are in the program each year?
Our target total for each program is thirty (30.)
Q: How are participants selected?
Recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, ages, and experience, each cohort is carefully selected to create a diverse, dynamic, and cohesive group through committee review. The cohort must attempt foster an environment for authenticity, vulnerability, and safety to learn and grow so consideration is given to age, gender, occupation, leadership experience/roles, place of residence, race, ethnicity, nationality.
Q: What’s a typical schedule?
Flagship programming will take place from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month. Sessions will take place throughout Athens County as noted and includes on-site visits and tours, speakers, case studies and discussions, and group activities. Attendance is required at all sessions and all activities within session. This is the schedule for Flagship 2025.
| Date(s) | Theme | Location 1* | Location 2* |
| September 19-20, 2024 | Opening Retreat** | Hocking Hills | NA |
| October 17, 2024 | Outdoor Recreation, Arts, Culture | Stewart | Chauncey |
| November 21, 2024 | Healthy Communities | Nelsonville | Athens |
| December 19, 2024 | Infrastructure | Glouster | Athens |
| January 16, 2025 | Mid-program Retreat | Athens | NA |
| January 23, 2025 | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging | Athens | NA |
| February 20, 2025 | Economics | Athens | Albany |
| March 20, 2025 | Housing | Millfield | Athens |
| April 17, 2025 | Food Access | Athens | Chauncey |
| May 15, 2025 | Closing Retreat | Nelsonville | Various |
| May 15, 2025, 5pm | Graduation | TBD | NA |
**Attendance required for opening retreat, including overnight.
Youth programming will take place from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month. Sessions will take place throughout Athens County as noted and includes on-site visits and tours, speakers, case studies and discussions, and group activities. Attendance is required at all sessions and all activities within session. This is the schedule for Youth 2025.
| Date(s) | Theme | Location~ |
| October 2-3, 2024 | Opening Retreat | TBA |
| November 7, 2024 | Communication | TBA |
| December 5, 2024 | Health | TBA |
| January 9, 2025 | Democracy | TBA |
| February 6, 2025 | Education | TBA |
| March 6, 2025 | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging | TBA |
| April 3, 2025 | Collaboration | TBA |
| May 1, 2025 | Closing Retreat | TBA |
| May 15, 2025, 5pm | Graduation | TBA |
~*Subject to change with adequate notice
Still have a question? Reach out to our program staff via email (link opens email service in a new window).