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What is Leadership Coachella Valley?
Leadership Coachella Valley is a program designed to identify, motivate and develop future community leaders. The program encourages involvement by providing knowledge and perspective on valley-wide needs and concerns. Participants meet current community leaders in forum and group discussion settings.
When and where are the sessions?
Sessions are held the third Friday of each month September to June. The exception is December, when the session is held the second Friday. Sessions are held at locations appropriate to the topic of the day.
What are the sessions like?
Each session focuses on a different broad topic affecting the Coachella Valley. Generally, coffee and networking starts at 7:45 am, with the call to order at 8:00 am. Sessions are always adjourned by 4:30 pm. Lunch is provided and there are at least two breaks*. Locations vary depending upon the topic. Many sessions include a field trip. For a listing of class sessions, topics and locations for the most current year, click here. *Management will attempt to accommodate special meal requests, but may not always be able to do so as many meals are donated by the providers.
Are leadership skills part of the curriculum?
No. The curriculum includes a broad assortment of topics and issues affecting the entire Coachella Valley. Knowledge of these issues, and learning where to go for answers about these issues, will help guide community leaders in their future decision making. If your goal is to learn about public speaking, meeting protocol, or another leadership skill, this is not the program for you.
When is graduation?
Graduation is held the fourth Friday evening of June. Locations vary. Graduation is considered part of the program and all students are strongly encouraged to attend. Family members and guests are welcome at an affordable cost.
On what basis are applicants selected?
Applicants are screened based upon their demonstrated leadership potential and willingness to devote the required time. Applicants must have lived or worked in the Coachella Valley for at least one year and must be over 18 years of age.
I'm new to the valley. Can I apply?
Yes, but preference is given to future community leaders who have resided here at least one year. Please apply however, as exceptions are made based upon materials submitted with your application.
I want to apply, but cannot attend every session.
Students are allowed to miss two sessions (16 hours). Students missing more than two sessions or 16 hours will not graduate and will be dropped from the class roster. Up to two sessions can be made up the following year pending approval of the Board of Directors.
What does it cost?
Current tuition is $1,200 and includes all ten full-day sessions, lunches, break refreshments, class materials, field trips, graduation dinner and ceremony. Tuition must be paid in full before the first class session.
Who pays for tuition?
Tuition for most students is paid by their employers; however, some students pay their own.
Are scholarships available?
There are a very limited number of scholarships available from the Leadership Board of Directors and the Leadership Coachella Valley Alumni Association. Some local service clubs also provide scholarships. If applying for a LCV scholarship, please submit a cover letter with your application stating why you feel you are a worthwhile scholarship recipient.
How do I apply?
Submit your completed application and resume by July 31st to the Leadership Coachella Valley online or to office. Click here for an application. Interviews may be scheduled by the selection committee. Applicants will be notified of their status by September 1st via email and/or letter.
After graduation, then what?
An active Alumni Association hosts several events each year. Alumni receive event information via email. Alumni are also kept up to date with postings on the website, our Facebook page, and by reading The Leading Edge, our semi-annual newsletter mailed to all alumni and sponsors.
How can my business support the Leadership Coachella Valley program?
There are a couple of ways. Send an employee to participate. Or, become a sponsor. Sponsor levels range from $250 to $10,000.
How can I become a sponsor?
A program such as this would not be possible without the strong support of our sponsors. Sponsor levels range from a $250 to $10,000. Click here for a complete list of sponsor benefits. Contact the Leadership Coachella Valley office at 760-346-6111 for further information, or email leadershipcv@gmail.com.
I still have questions.
Contact Leadership Coachella Valley administrators at 760-346-6111 or leadershipcv@gmail.com.