Core Class Details.

The Selection Committee identifies individuals who will use their leadership skills for the long-term benefit of the community, thus advancing Leadership Lancaster’s mission to activate people to lead with purpose and integrity so they can create lasting change in their communities. Selection is based upon the information provided in the application.

The criteria for selection are:

•     Potential for community leadership
•     Achievement of goals
•     Motivation for applying
•     Commitment to the Lancaster community
•     Contribution to the overall strength of the class

In order to be considered for the Core Class of 2027, a fully completed application (application, commitment form, two references, and scholarship requests, if applicable) must be submitted to Leadership Lancaster by the May 8th deadline.

All applicants who represent organizations/businesses need the full support of their employers regardless of financial support.

Applicants will receive written notification from Leadership Lancaster about their candidacy for the program by May 18th.

Leadership Lancaster does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.

Course requirements:

Course requirements:  attendance at all scheduled classes, active participation within the Community Action Teams and group presentation, community board observation, government observation, and an arts and culture observation.

The Core Program is an experiential learning environment. Some of the Core Class sessions may require physical activities including, but not limited to, walking distances. If you need accommodations, or have any concerns you would like to discuss, please email ll@leadershiplancaster.org.  Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations.

•     Attendance at the opening retreat is mandatory.
•     No more than 2 days of excused absences are permitted. Late arrivals and/or early departures from program days could be considered absences.
•     Class members are expected to notify Leadership Lancaster staff as soon as they are aware of an absence.

• Brings together a handful of Core Class participants in the Leadership Lancaster program to work collaboratively on a community-focused project throughout the program year.
• Serves as a hands-on leadership learning lab where participants practice teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills while addressing a concrete community need.
• Partners with a local nonprofit organization to design and complete a meaningful deliverable that benefits that nonprofit’s mission and the broader Lancaster County community.
• Culminates in a presentation of the team’s work and outcomes as part of the Core Class experience.

Opening Retreat (daytime)
Thursday, September 17, 2026

Opening Retreat* (daytime) AND Community Reception (evening)*
Friday, September 18, 2026

County Tour
Friday, October 9, 2026

Day of Understanding
Friday, October 23, 2026

Health and Human Services
Friday, November 13, 2026

Arts & Culture
Friday, December 11, 2026

Law & Justice
Friday, January 15, 2027

Public Policy & Economic Development
Friday, February 12, 2027

Public Education
Friday, March 12, 2027

Environment & Sustainability
Friday, April 2, 2027

CAT Presentations
Friday, April 20, 2027

Closing Retreat
Friday, May 15, 2027

Graduation (evening)
Thursday, May 20, 2026

*Mandatory

Unless otherwise stated, sessions are held from 9:00am until 4:00pm

Dates and times are subject to change.

All-inclusive tuition is $3,500. Each participant is asked to contribute $150.00 of that total personally, as a way of investing in their own growth and demonstrating commitment to the experience.

Leadership Lancaster has a Scholarship Fund and can offer a limited number of partial scholarships for those participants who may require financial assistance.

To apply for a scholarship, complete this online form.  No requests for scholarship/financial assistance will be considered without this form completed by application deadline.

Tuition assistance will be considered only after the applicant is selected, and your request for financial assistance in no way influences the selection process.