LEADERSHIP ST. PETE
As one of the oldest leadership programs of its kind in the nation, Leadership St. Pete (LSP) seeks to nurture a community brimming with informed, passionate leaders. Each year, we select a diverse array of individuals spanning various industries and career stages to embark on an immersive six-month journey. Our program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our region while equipping participants with the knowledge, resources, and networks to shape our city's future.
Class members build lasting relationships throughout the program’s three elements: leadership training, educational seminars, and a civic-engagement project.
Applications for the LSP Class of 2027 will open Aug. 18, 2026
Applications for the Leadership St. Pete class of 2027 will open August 18, 2026. Applications will be due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026.
To stay up to date on applications for the Class of 2027, please sign up to receive email notifications about the application and information sessions.
LSP candidates must do business or live in the St. Petersburg area and be at least 22 years of age at the time of signing their application. Additionally, they must have the full support of the organization they represent due to the time commitment.
The LSP Community Project
The LSP Class of 2026 is raising funds through May 2026 to improve facilities at the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center (LANFC), an organization that provides essential services and support to children and families across the Lealman and Asian communities of Pinellas County.
This project will culminate in a hands-on service day dedicated to enhancing the safety, functionality, and joy of spaces used primarily for children’s programming. Your generous support will create lasting improvements, making a meaningful difference for the LANFC community not just on our service day, but every day of the year!
LSP Community Project
Interested in applying for the LSP Community Project in the future? Learn more about the application process and see projects from past years.
Upcoming Events
LSP Class of 2027
Interested in learning more about future LSP classes?
Sign up to receive more information for LSP Class of 2027 and beyond. Applications open and information sessions will begin in late summer.
Nominate a Nonprofit
If you are an interested 501(c)(3) organization or want to recommend a deserving nonprofit to be a future LSP Community Project beneficiary, submit the nomination form.
Follow @leadershipstpete
2026 Program Schedule
- Orientation Dinner: December 9, 2026
- Opening Retreat (1 night, 2 days): January 8-9, 2027
- Community Project Kick-off (Optional): January 12, 2027
- St. Pete History (Full day): January 26, 2027
- Community Project Scope Meeting (Optional): February 1, 2027
- Environmental Sustainability: February 10, 2027
- Education: February 23, 2027
- St. Pete Culture (Full day): March 2, 2027
- Mid-year Retreat (Full day): March 11, 2027
- State Government (2 nights, 3 days): March 30-April 1, 2027
- Growing St. Pete: April 14, 2027
- Emergency Response (Full day): April 27, 2027
- Local Government: May 6, 2027
- Sponsorship Reception: May 6, 2027
- Community Project Day: May 15, 2027
- Closing Retreat (Full day): May 28, 2027
- Graduation: June 3, 2027
Leadership St. Pete Alumni
Our commitment to St. Pete extends beyond the duration of our program. LSP alumni have access to ongoing educational opportunities, exclusive events, and a strong network for continued growth.
From the LSP Blog
Leadership St. Pete is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Patron Sponsors:
