Leadership Unlimited

Leadership Unlimited (LU) develops individuals into effective business and community leaders. With the first class graduating in 1983, this community leadership program expands participants’ knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within Richland County through tours, activities, and discussions. Designed for mid-career professionals, the program incorporates personal leadership development through The Leadership Challenge^® Workshop.

Learning Outcomes

The Leadership Unlimited Program will empower participants to:

become more aware of the challenges and opportunities facing Richland County.
develop practical skills to lead confidently within their career and community roles.
understand what community initiatives are underway and how they can join.
expand their network of community-minded colleagues.
discover nonprofit volunteer and board opportunities.

What will I experience on a typical day?

A Leadership Unlimited program day is designed to incorporate many different adult learning styles with discussions, experiential activities, panels, company tours, and service projects. Here is an agenda for a typical day:
8:45 a.m. – Breakfast and coffee
9 a.m. – Leadership activity and case study
9:30 a.m. – Speaker
11 a.m. – Panel discussion
12 p.m. – Lunch and activity
1 p.m. – Tour of business
2 p.m. – Service project in community
3:45 p.m. – Debriefing and closing discussion

Program Day Topics
Program day sessions cover such areas as:

Education
Youth opportunities
Courts and Public Safety
Human and Health Services
Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Workforce Development
Economic Development

Program Impact

Class of 2023 cohort members (21 of 25) completed a reflective post survey on leadership skills development, community familiarization, and professional network growth as a result of the program. Participants reported growth in all of these areas.

Class of 2024 Application Information

Participants

An average of 30-40 parcipants will be selected annually from a cross-section of the community including business, the arts, religion, education, community and civic groups, organized labor, minority organizations, government, and the professions.

Selection

Candidates selected for the LU program will possess a sincere commitment, motivation, and interest to serve the Richland County community. LU seeks participants who have demonstrated leadership in their respective areas of influence within the community.
A selection committee will review all completed applications and select those applicants who have demonstrated commitment, leadership ability, and a desire to serve their community.

Tuition

Tuition for the program is $1,500. Tuition should be met by the participant and his or her sponsoring organization or employer. Payment plans may be arranged, and financial aid is available.

Commitment

Leadership Unlimited requires that a participant have the full support of the organization he or she represents. To graduate from Leadership Unlimited, a participant must meet these attendance requirements:

Orientation – Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. (required, but could be made up if necessary)
Overnight Retreat at Mohican Lodge & Conference Center: Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8 a.m. to Friday, Sept. 6 at 12 p.m. (This is the Thursday and Friday after Labor Day. Absence results in removal from the program.)
One full weekday per month, the second Thursday, October through June from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (up to two absences permitted.)
Planning sessions (time set at the convenience of the program planning committee)
Graduation celebration on June 12, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (strongly encouraged)