About Us
Leadership Lake County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1986, is committed to cultivating leaders at every stage of life through interactive programs designed for executives, front-line supervisors, high school students, and middle school students. With community-based program days and hands-on learning experiences, participants gain practical knowledge and skills they can immediately apply, driving meaningful change in their workplaces and communities.
Community Builders Overview
The Community Builders program is a leadership development experience designed for front-line employees and entry-level supervisors. The program focuses on three core areas
- Engagement– Fostering a supportive environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning, idea exchange, and teamwork to solve real-world leadership challenges.
- Empowerment – Equipping emerging leaders with the confidence, skills, and tools to drive meaningful change in their teams and communities.
- Impact – Providing practical, hands-on leadership experiences that enable participants to apply their skills immediately, inspire others, and create lasting, positive change.
Cost of Program
Our Community Builders Program is an employer-supported professional development program
Direct cost per participant: $995
The program cost is $995 per participant, which covers all retreats, all program meals, materials, and a $50 non-refundable application fee. If selected, the $50 application fee will be applied toward the $995 program cost.
If waitlisted, the application may be reconsidered upon request without incurring an additional fee. No other direct program expenses are anticipated. The $995 program fee is non-refundable and due by August 1, 2025.
Indirect cost: Employee time
Participating employees will need to spend time away from the office for scheduled program days. Advance notice will be provided to support planning and coverage.
2026-2027 Community Builders Class Schedule
- *Orientation I Overview of Leadership Lake County: August 17, 2026 from 4pm-5pm followed by a reception with our Board of Directors and Alumni from 5pm-6:30pm
- *Opening Retreat I What is Leadership? : September 14, 2026 9am-4:30pm
- Diagnose the Situation I Program Day: October 5, 2026 12pm-5pm
- Diagnose the Situation II Day: November 2, 2026 12pm-5pm
- Manage Self I: December 7, 2026 12pm-5pm
- Manage Self II: January 25, 2027 12pm-5pm *Please note this is the last Monday due to the holiday season
- Energize Others I: February 8, 2027 12pm-5pm *Please note this is the second Monday in February
- Energize Others II: March 1, 2027 12pm-5pm
- Intervene Skillfully: April 5, 2027 12pm-5pm
- *Closing Retreat: May 3, 2027 9am-4pm
- *Graduation: May 26, 2027 6pm-8:30pm *Please note this is a Wednesday evening to allow for our Signature and Community Builders graduation to be on the same evening
*Mandatory attendance. We ask for 80% attendance overall to be eligible for graduation.
Next Steps: Apply TODAY!
To secure a spot in the Community Builders Program, the nominee must submit their application (including a $50 non-refundable fee) by May 31, 2026 at 5pm.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, we will not accept more than 30 individuals in the program per year.