About Leadership Pasadena
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
We find that people know when it's the right time to join our program. Typically they are experiencing personal or professional growth and/or are looking to contribute more to their communities or organizations.
Applicants should live, work, or volunteer in Pasadena or surrounding communities in the San Gabriel Valley, demonstrate some leadership experience or responsibility through professional, volunteer or personal endeavors, and be interested in taking an active role in the future of the Pasadena area. They should also be in a position to benefit from enhanced leadership and team management skills. Both accomplished and emerging business and community leaders are encouraged to apply. Individuals new to Pasadena will obtain an in-depth understanding of the community that would normally take years to acquire. Long-time residents will deepen and broaden their knowledge and will benefit from access to community leaders. Retirees or those who have not worked outside of the home for a while and who wish to re-engage in the community will find new interests, passions and opportunities to lead and serve.
Candidates should be committed to personal and professional growth, seek a deeper understanding of the community and have a desire for community engagement and service. They should also be willing and able to dedicate the time and energy required to participate in the program.
Applicants should live, work, or volunteer in Pasadena or surrounding communities in the San Gabriel Valley, demonstrate some leadership experience or responsibility through professional, volunteer or personal endeavors, and be interested in taking an active role in the future of the Pasadena area. They should also be in a position to benefit from enhanced leadership and team management skills. Both accomplished and emerging business and community leaders are encouraged to apply. Individuals new to Pasadena will obtain an in-depth understanding of the community that would normally take years to acquire. Long-time residents will deepen and broaden their knowledge and will benefit from access to community leaders. Retirees or those who have not worked outside of the home for a while and who wish to re-engage in the community will find new interests, passions and opportunities to lead and serve.
Candidates should be committed to personal and professional growth, seek a deeper understanding of the community and have a desire for community engagement and service. They should also be willing and able to dedicate the time and energy required to participate in the program.
What are the benefits of participating?
Leadership Pasadena exists to create local leaders and foster connections for the betterment of all residents of the greater Pasadena area. In the quest to become exceptional leaders, participants gain a deeper understanding of their own leadership and communication styles and strengths; acquire leadership and team building tools; secure increased understanding of diverse cultural perspectives and communication methods; achieve a deeper appreciation of Pasadena's resources, governance, assets, and challenges. This knowledge provides a foundation and inspiration for effective community engagement, access to community leaders, relationships with a diverse network of alumni, and opportunities for non-profit and civic leadership positions.
Community engagement also increases a business brand awareness, is good for employee morale, creates customer loyalty, is a competitive advantage, and is a powerful reward and retention tool for businesses.
Alumni are eligible to attend future program sessions as guests to update their knowledge, relationships and understanding of the Pasadena community.
Community engagement also increases a business brand awareness, is good for employee morale, creates customer loyalty, is a competitive advantage, and is a powerful reward and retention tool for businesses.
Alumni are eligible to attend future program sessions as guests to update their knowledge, relationships and understanding of the Pasadena community.
What can participants expect from each of the sessions?
Each session is professionally facilitated, focusing on a particular aspect of life in the greater Pasadena community. Sessions are hosted on-site at key community organizations. Sessions include presentations and candid dialogue and interaction with community leaders, experts, and stakeholders on issues, opportunities, and challenges facing the community. Experiential exercises and discussion reinforce insights and learning. Special attention is given to providing the class with a diversity of perspectives and voices from across the greater Pasadena community. Sessions are are designed to be interactive — not boring lectures.
What is the process for applying?
Each cohort is curated to maximize participant connections and potential positive community impact. Applications are completed online. A personal interview may be scheduled. Our Board of Directors determines the composition of each cohort based on the review of all applications. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
What are the selection criteria?
Applicants should demonstrate some leadership experience through professional, volunteer, or personal endeavors. They should also be in a position to enhance their effectiveness in the community and at work through additional leadership and management skills development. Applicants should be committed to personal growth and development, including openness to challenge, change, experiential learning and teamwork. Applicants will be selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the greater Pasadena community and should be dedicated to community engagement and improvement.
What is the time commitment?
The program begins with a two day retreat in January. Thereafter, monthly program sessions typically include one Thursday evening, one Friday afternoon, and sometimes a Saturday morning. Attendance at the retreat, as well as at 80% of class meetings, is required to be eligible for graduation. Additional work outside of the scheduled sessions is required to complete community impact projects. This additional work is set and agreed upon by the project's team members.
What is the cost and what does it cover?
Tuition is $5,000 and covers professional facilitation for the six-month program, including numerous diagnostic assessments of the participant's leadership and communication style, hours of training on current leadership theories, a 1-day off-site executive leadership Ropes course, 60+ hours of on-site, experiential community education and personal interaction with community leaders, and over 30 hours of community service learning. Meals are provided for most sessions. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 will be due upon notification of admission to reserve your space in the class and will be applied to your tuition. The remaining $4500 tuition is due by January 3. Installment payment plans may be offered as needed. Tuition assistance is available based upon financial need.
You may be able to deduct all or part of the program tuition from Leadership Pasadena. Consult your tax advisor as to the deductibility of any tuition paid under this program. Leadership Pasadena does not guarantee or imply the deductibility of program tuition.
You may be able to deduct all or part of the program tuition from Leadership Pasadena. Consult your tax advisor as to the deductibility of any tuition paid under this program. Leadership Pasadena does not guarantee or imply the deductibility of program tuition.
What is the process for applying for tuition assistance and does it impact acceptance to the program?
Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from their employers or community organizations with which they are affiliated. If you wish to request tuition assistance from Leadership Pasadena, please indicate this on your application and complete our tuition assistance form, which requests additional information in support of your request. Requesting tuition assistance will not impact your admission application.
Requests to Leadership Pasadena for tuition assistance or flexible payment plans will be evaluated based on demonstrated need, the number of requests in a given year, and the availability of funds.
Requests to Leadership Pasadena for tuition assistance or flexible payment plans will be evaluated based on demonstrated need, the number of requests in a given year, and the availability of funds.
Who do I contact for additional questions?
Additional questions? Contact us at [email protected].