Apply to Leadership SLO Class 35

Thank you for your interest in Leadership SLO.

Before submitting your application, please review this page in its entirety, including program requirements, key dates, tuition information, and participation expectations. Leadership SLO is a significant commitment, and applicants should ensure they have the support and availability needed to fully participate before applying.

Application Requirements

Applicants will submit:

Participation Agreement
Download, review, complete, and sign the Program Participation Agreement.

AGREEMENT DOCUMENT HERE.

Letter of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. A sample letter is provided below.

Here are some sample letters of recommendation for your reference.

Short Response Questions
The online application includes several short-response questions. Because progress may not be saved, we recommend preparing your responses in advance.

Questions include:

  • Describe your typical day.

  • How are you involved with your community (friends, hobbies, neighbors, coworkers, and organizations)?

  • What are the biggest challenges facing you, your family and/or friends in SLO County?

  • Why do you wish to participate in Leadership SLO?

  • What have you done over the past few years to improve your skills, knowledge or leadership?  Why did you focus on those areas?

Ready to apply?

Before submitting, please review the Program Commitment and Tuition & Scholarships sections below.

APPLY

Application Timeline

  • July 21 - Application live on website 

  • September 14 - Applications due by midnight

  • September 21 - Group Interviews scheduled

  • September 30 - October 8 - Group Interviews held

  • October 23 - 30 - Selection Notification Sent for Class 35

  • November 6 - Class 34 Graduation, Class 35 Welcome & Alumni Gathering 

  • December 14 - Tuition or Tuition Agreement Due

Interview Process

Applicants selected to move forward in the process will be invited to participate in a group interview with Leadership SLO alumni and volunteers. Group interviews are designed to help us get to know you beyond your application and learn more about your values, experiences, and interest in the program.

Questions focus on who you are as an individual rather than your professional accomplishments, and applicants are encouraged to approach the conversation with authenticity, openness, and curiosity.

Program Commitment

Leadership SLO is a highly interactive, cohort-based experience, and participants are expected to attend and actively engage in all program sessions. Before applying, please review the schedule below carefully to ensure you can commit to the full program year.

Because the program builds from month to month, attendance at the retreat and all program days is expected. Applicants who anticipate significant conflicts are encouraged to defer their application and apply in a future year when they can fully participate in the experience.

2027 Program Dates

  • January 21, 22 & 23 – RETREAT (with overnight at venue Friday night)

  • February 12

  • March 12

  • April 9

  • May 14

  • June 11

  • July 9

  • August 13

  • September 10

  • October 8

  • November 5 – Class 35 Graduation

Tuition & Scholarships

Program tuition is $2,295.

Tuition includes:

  • Thursday-Saturday retreat (Thursday night local to SLO County, Friday night overnight at retreat facility).

  • Monthly leadership sessions

  • Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch during program days

  • Program materials and activities

  • Agriculture Day transportation

Scholarship Assistance

We want Leadership SLO to be accessible to people from all backgrounds and life experiences and believe cost should not be a barrier for individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and contribute to their community.

To help make participation more accessible, scholarships covering up to 75% of tuition may be available based on demonstrated financial need. Scholarship requests are reviewed confidentially.

If you're excited about the opportunity but concerned about the cost, we encourage you to apply. Each year, scholarship support helps make Leadership SLO possible for participants from diverse professional, personal, and financial backgrounds.

Applicants are also encouraged to seek support from employers, organizations, or community sponsors whenever possible.

Apply Now

Applications must be submitted through the online application form.

APPLY

We're excited to learn more about you and your interest in Leadership SLO.

Questions? Contact Leadership SLO at LSLOBoard@slochamber.org