LEADERSHIP ST. PETE
As one of the oldest leadership programs in the country, Leadership St. Pete® seeks to identify, recruit, and develop leaders who represent the diversity of our local community. LSP challenges its class members to view issues in our community, state, and nation as opportunities. Through class interaction and discussions with community leaders, LSP stimulates creative thinking, and, ultimately, community leaders emerge with new resources and knowledge to face their everyday challenges.
Class members build lasting relationships throughout the program’s three elements: leadership training, the class project, and educational seminars. Small team collaboration on each of the program’s educational seminars and a class-wide community service project provide opportunities to form meaningful relationships with fellow class members, while simultaneously positively impacting our community.
Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2024
The application to apply for the Class of 2024 is now open. Applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be paid online when submitting the application.
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. They must have the full support of the organization, corporation or company they represent.
How does the selection process work?
Selection begins with a review of candidates' anonymous written applications. All personally identifiable information is removed prior to the LSP Selection Committee review and scoring of applications.
LSP is a highly competitive program with only the top 50 applicants selected for interviews. Interviews with the Selection Committee will be held at one of the following sessions:
Selection begins with a review of candidates' anonymous written applications. All personally identifiable information is removed prior to the LSP Selection Committee review and scoring of applications.
LSP is a highly competitive program with only the top 50 applicants selected for interviews. Interviews with the Selection Committee will be held at one of the following sessions:
· Thursday, October 26 – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. (allow 45 minutes)
· Friday, October 27 – 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. (allow 45 minutes)
A class of approximately 35-40 individuals will be selected from those interviewed. Many qualified applicants will not be chosen for the class due to capacity limitations and will be encouraged to apply again for the next year’s program.
The tuition is $3,000 for Chamber members and $3,500 for nonmembers. Tuition must be paid in full by Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Scholarship funds may be available for those seeking financial assistance. Please complete the Scholarship section of the application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. All scholarship application information is kept confidential and reviewed separately from the program application.
LSP 2024 Recruitment Events
To learn more about the LSP program and to hear from recent graduates, attend one of our upcoming recruitment events.
The open house events are casual mix and mingles to meet LSP alumni and learn more about the program. The info sessions are one hour and cover the program overview, requirements and Q+A. We recommend attending an info session and one (or both) of the open house events.
- September 7 – Info Session 6-7 PM @ Power Design
- September 14 – Info Session 8:30-9:30 AM @ St. Pete Chamber
- September 20 – Open House 5:30-7:30 PM @ 3 Daughters Brewing
- September 26 – 2024 Class application closes online @ 5 p.m. ET
Apply to be the 2024 Class Project Beneficiary
Each class gives back to our community through the Class Project, a civic-engagement, community service project that is completed during the term of the program. A typical Class Project requires the class to create awareness, fundraise, and work hands-on at the nonprofit’s site to rehab a location in need of some tender loving care. It’s up to the class to organize roles and figure out how to accomplish this task!
Attend an upcoming information session to learn more, and apply here. The deadline to apply is October 9 at 4 p.m.
More information is available here. If you have questions, please email the 2024 Class Project Selection Chair Lynne Stamey at lsp.pc.classproject@gmail.com.
Class Project
Each class gives back to our community through the Class Project, a civic-engagement, community service project that is completed during the term of the program. A typical Class Project requires the class to create awareness, fundraise, and work hands-on at the nonprofit’s site to rehab a location in need of some tender loving care. It’s up to the class to organize roles and figure out how to accomplish this task!
Learn more about the selection process, and apply here.
The Planning Committee
LSP is a volunteer run program of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. LSP leadership is comprised of an Executive Committee (EC) and a Planning Committee (PC). Applications for the 2024 Planning Committee are now closed.
LSP 2024 Info Sessions
2024 Program Schedule
- Orientation Dinner: December 7, 2023
- Opening Retreat (1 night, 1½ Days): January 12-13, 2024
- St. Pete History Seminar: January 18, 2024 (Half Day)
- Class Project Kickoff Meeting (Optional): January 18, 2024
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Seminar: January 23, 2024
- Class Project Scope Meeting (Optional): January 30, 2024
- State Government Seminar (2 nights, 3 days): February 5-7, 2024
- Growing St. Pete Seminar: February 20, 2024
- Criminal Justice Seminar: March 7, 2024
- Mid-Year Retreat: March 21, 2024
- Environmental Sustainability Seminar: April 2, 2024
- St. Pete Culture Seminar: April 17, 2024
- Local Government Seminar: May 2, 2024
- Sponsorship Reception (TBC after seminar): May 2, 2024
- Class Project Day: May 18, 2024
- Closing Retreat: May 24, 2024
- Graduation (Evening): TBA, June 4 or 5, 2024
From the LSP Blog
Get to Know LSP Chair Dr. Leslie Hafer
Get to Know Leadership St. Pete® Chair, Dr. Leslie Hafer! As one of the oldest leadership programs in the country, Leadership St. Pete seeks to identify, recruit, and develop leaders who represent the diversity of our local community. Through class interaction and discussions with community leaders, LSP stimulates creative thinking, and, ultimately, community leaders emerge…
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