About Leadership Pasadena
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have a question about our process, schedule, or services—or anything Leadership Pasadena—there's a good chance it's been asked before. Frequently, perhaps. And that means we probably have an answer for you.
Who should apply?
We find people know when it's the right time to join our program. Typically they are experiencing a personal or professional growth and/or 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 are. 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 seeking the opportunity 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 are. 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 seeking the opportunity 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 for the betterment of the Pasadena area. But, as participants become exceptional leaders they gain a deeper understanding of their own leadership and communication style 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 and is a competitive advantage and is a powerful reward and retention tool for businesses.
Alumni are eligible to attend future program sessions as a guest to update their knowledge, relationships and understanding of the greater Pasadena community.
Community engagement also increases a business brand awareness; is good for employee morale; creates customer loyalty and is a competitive advantage and is a powerful reward and retention tool for businesses.
Alumni are eligible to attend future program sessions as a guest to update their knowledge, relationships and understanding of the greater Pasadena community.
What can participants expect from each of the sessions?
Each session is professionally facilitated, focusing on particular aspect of life in the greater Pasadena community. Sessions are hosted on-site at a key community organizations relevant to the session focus. 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 not boring lectures or one-way presentations!
What is the procedure for applying?
Each cohort is curated to maximize participant connections and potential positive community impact. Applications are completed online and are accepted on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Our Selection Committee makes a preliminary determination based on the review of the applications. All information will be kept strictly confidential. A personal interview may be scheduled for finalists.
What are the selection criteria?
Applicants should demonstrate some leadership experience through professional, volunteer or personal endeavors and be in a position to enhance their effectiveness in the community and at work through additional leadership and team 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 greater community engagement and involvement.
What is the time commitment?
The program begins with a two day retreat in January. Thereafter, program sessions meet monthly, usually one Thursday evening, one Friday afternoon, and sometimes a Saturday morning a month, January through June. Attendance at the retreat, as well as at 80% of class meetings, is required to be eligible for graduation. Time expectations for learning outside of sessions does not usually exceed two hours per month. Additional work outside of the scheduled sessions is required to complete the team projects.
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 2-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. Appropriate meals are provided for all sessions. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 (applied to your tuition) will be due upon notification of admission to the program in order to reserve your space in the class. The remaining tuition is due by April 15th, unless another arrangement is approved in writing by the Board. Payment plans over time are provided. Partial scholarships are 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 financial assistance or payment arrangements and does it impact acceptance to the program?
A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need. If you are requesting a partial scholarship, please indicate on your application and a scholarship assistance request form will be provided, requesting additional information in support of your request. Requesting assistance will have no impact on your admission application.
Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from the employers or community organizations with which they are affiliated. Crowdfunding assistance will be provided if desired. Requests for partial scholarships or payment plans will be evaluated based on demonstrated need, the number of requests in a given year, and the availability of scholarship funds.
Applicants are encouraged to seek sponsorship from the employers or community organizations with which they are affiliated. Crowdfunding assistance will be provided if desired. Requests for partial scholarships or payment plans will be evaluated based on demonstrated need, the number of requests in a given year, and the availability of scholarship funds.
Who do I contact for additional questions?
Questions can also be directed to info@leadershippasadena.org, with “recruiting” in the subject line, and a member of the recruitment team will respond.