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 develop and connect leaders dedicated to serving the needs of Lancaster County. 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 2026, a fully completed application (application, commitment form, two references, and scholarship requests, if applicable) must be submitted to Leadership Lancaster by the May 15th 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 July 14.

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 contact the Leadership Lancaster office at (717) 394-9393 or email sarah@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.

Community Action Teams offer opportunities to practice team building, team processing, and leadership skills through the exploration of community topics. Class members will be divided into small groups to focus on a specific issue our community is facing. Team building, delegation, conflict resolution, and communication skills are exercised during this collaborative process. The process is the learning emphasis for this experience. There will be some time allotted during the class days, but there will be an additional time commitment needed outside the classroom to meet with individual small groups.

Opening Retreat (daytime) AND Community Reception (evening)*
Thursday, September 11, 2025

Opening Retreat*
Friday, September 12, 2025

County Tour
Friday, October 3, 2025

Day of Understanding
Friday, October 17, 2025

Health and Human Services
Friday, November 7, 2025

Arts & Culture
Friday, December 5, 2025

Public Policy & Economic Development
Friday, January 9, 2026

Law & Justice
Friday, February 6, 2026 (2/13/26 inclement weather makeup)

Public Education
Friday, March 6, 2026 (3/13/26 inclement weather makeup)

Environment & Sustainability
Friday, April 10, 2026

CAT Presentations
Friday, May 1, 2026

Closing Retreat
Friday, May 22, 2026

Graduation (evening)
Friday, May 22, 2026

*Mandatory

Unless otherwise stated, sessions are held from 8:30am until 4:00pm

Dates and times are subject to change.

All-inclusive tuition is $3,250, and each participant is expected to personally pay at least $150.

Leadership Lancaster member program participation would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and fundraising efforts as tuition fees do not cover the full cost of the program.

Full tuition is due no later than close of business Friday, August 22, 2025.

No applicant accepted into the program will be turned away for financial reasons.  Payment plans may be arranged, and tuition assistance is available based upon need.

Leadership Lancaster has a Scholarship Fund and can offer a limited number of partial scholarships for those participants who may require financial assistance.  We also offer two full scholarships for diverse candidates from underrepresented communities through the Truist endowment.

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.