Elkhart Leadership Academy Application

Elkhart Leadership Academy 2026-2027

Thank you for your interest in the Elkhart Leadership Academy.

Before beginning the application below, please print this Application Employers Agreement 2026-27 with the schedule and review this with your direct manager. You will need their approval and signature on the Employer’s Agreement; the form can then be scanned and attached to your application.

We suggest typing your responses in Word, notepad, notes, etc., and then cutting and pasting them into the form.

2026-27 Session Dates and Topics

August 19, 2026 – Orientation*

September 9-10 – Overnight Retreat

October 14 – Servant Leadership

November 11
December 9
January 13, 2027
February 10
March 10
April 14*

May 12 – Graduation Luncheon

Monthly session topics also include: Media communications, Communities in our Community, Economic & Community Development, Education, Arts & Culture, and Critical Conversations.

Leadership Academy sessions are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second* Wednesday of the month.
(*exceptions are August and April)
Additional time each week will be required for the impact team nonprofit projects.

*This schedule is subject to change

Elkhart Leadership Academy Tuition

The tuition invoice will be mailed to you upon acceptance into the Elkhart Leadership Academy. Tuition is $2,000 for Chamber Members and is payable by July 30. Payment is final. No refunds will be allowed.

Date
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Name*
First Last
Home Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Cell Phone*
Gender*
In order to make retreat accommodations
- Female
- Male
Email (work)*
How long have you lived in Elkhart County?
Employer*
Job Title*
Length of time with Current Organization
Company Address*
Street Address City State ZIP Code
Business Phone*
Manager Name*
First Last
Manager Phone*
Manager Email*
Describe your primary duties/responsibilities with your employer:*
Please list your current community involvement and volunteer work:*
List someone you consider to be a leader in our community and why:*
What are your expectations of the Elkhart Leadership Academy?*
Scholarship funds may be available and are limited to not-for-profit organizations. Will you need consideration for a partial scholarship? Please explain.
Dietary Restrictions
Applicant Agreement*
- I agree to the guidelines regarding participation and attendance.
The Elkhart Leadership Academy is a learning experience and requires a commitment of time on behalf of the participant. Participants must have the full support and commitment of their employer because attending the overnight retreat and the subsequent eight monthly sessions is mandatory in order to successfully complete the program. In addition, the participant will be expected to participate in a project group that will require attending meetings outside of the Academy sessions. Attendance substitution is not allowed.
Employer's Agreement
Max. file size: 50 MB.

Please print the Employer's agreement and attach the signed pdf to this application, or email it to glyons@elkhart.org.

Elkhart Leadership Academy Application

Elkhart Leadership Academy 2026-2027

Elkhart Leadership Academy Tuition

Elkhart Leadership Academy Application

This completed application must be returned to the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce by July 18.

Upcoming Events

Leadership Academy Graduation 2026

Business After Hours hosted by ECCVB

OSHA Breakfast – Best Safety Practices

Women’s Council Luncheon – Communicate with Courage

Adulting with Intention: Tools for Today’s Young Professional