Leadership Reno Sparks

Leadership Reno Sparks With over 1,000 graduates since 1985, Leadership Reno Sparks has helped produce hundreds of managers, community leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs. Participants are engaged in a 10 month program that focuses on communication, developmental organization and community participation. Every year the Leadership Reno Sparks class tackles a special community project that engages participants in a real-world exercise that also helps build our community

MISSION of LEADERSHIP RENO SPARKS:  To identify and develop current and future leaders through a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of the issues and challenges facing this community.

Our VISION is to be a highly valued and respected program recognized for the quality and diversity of its members, who remain committed to improving our region through ongoing education, awareness, and involvement.

BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPANTS

  • Ability to participate in an informative, eye-opening, thought-provoking program.
  • Provides volunteer opportunities.
  • Opportunity to visit “restricted” or difficult to access areas.
  • Personal/professional growth through exposure to community’s issues/leaders.
  • Establish long-standing personal, professional, and business relationships with class members and alumni.

BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

  • Exposes company/organization name to The Chamber and community.
  • Gain access to key community, government and business leaders.
  • Exposure to community issues that impact your organization.
  • Networking and business development opportunities.

CONCEPT

Up to 35 individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential will be selected for each class. Participants are required to attend a two-day retreat in January and a day-long workshop each month, February through September. Each workshop will address a different subject and are held at various locations throughout the community.

SCHEDULE

Workshops are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and include lunch, group exercises, and tours. A mandatory law enforcement ride-along or dispatch program will be scheduled in February/March.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance at the two-day overnight retreat and eight monthly workshops is mandatory for all participants. It is essential that you are able to make the required time commitment to the program in order to graduate.  An individual who misses part or all of a workshop will be required to complete an extensive make-up assignment. The complete assignment must be submitted by the deadline date. If not, you will be dropped from the class and will not graduate from the program. One class project during the program year is required as well.

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT

Participants will be required to participate in one of the Leadership Reno Sparks “Adopt-A-Spot” clean up held on selected Saturdays. If unable to participate, a make-up will be required.

ELIGIBILITY

Preference will be given to individuals who have a sincere concern about the future of our community and a personal desire to help shape that future; a demonstrated capacity for leadership through significant achievements or drive to become a better leader; a personal and professional commitment to remain active in the community; a commitment to the time and energy necessary to complete the program by attending the two-day retreat and all workshops, with the full support of his or her employer; and should be a minimum of 25 years of age.

SELECTION PROCESS

There is an extensive application process. Due to the highly interactive nature of the program, we can only accommodate a maximum of 35 people per class. Applicants with the greatest potential to better our community will be considered. We often have to turn away excellent candidates and we strongly encourage all who are not selected to reapply.

TUITION

The program cost is $1,750 for Chamber members ($2,100 for non-members), which includes tuition, materials, meals, transportation and room and board at the two-day retreat. Scholarships and deferred payments are available on a case by case basis. The application must be accompanied by a $500 tuition deposit, payable by check, American Express, MasterCard or Visa.

APPLICATION

Download the Leadership Reno Sparks Adult Program application online.

DEADLINE

The final deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 1, 2013, by 5:00 p.m. (postmarked or hand delivered). No late applications are accepted.