We’re very excited that you’re thinking of applying to Leadership SLO!

Applications for Leadership SLO Class 35 are now open.

Leadership SLO brings together emerging and established leaders from across San Luis Obispo County to deepen their understanding of our region, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Whether you're already leading in your profession, volunteering in your community, or looking for opportunities to grow, Leadership SLO offers a unique learning experience grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and community impact.

Ready to learn more? Scroll down to see who thrives in the program and what you can expect as a participant.

Who Participates?

Leadership SLO participants represent a wide range of industries, backgrounds, ages, and life experiences. Each class can include individuals from business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, agriculture, public safety, and more.

We intentionally seek a diverse cohort because we believe the strongest leaders learn from perspectives different from their own.

Participants may be experienced executives, mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs, frontline employees, retirees, students, community volunteers, or individuals simply looking to expand their impact in San Luis Obispo County.

Membership in the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce is not required and is not considered during the selection process.

Our Values

Leadership SLO is guided by five core values:

Community We recognize that the strength of the whole is dependent upon the connections between the individuals, and we strive to foster authentic relationships and engagement among participants and throughout the Central Coast.

Audacity We engage honestly with life’s toughest challenges and society’s deepest problems without hesitation.

Inclusivity We cherish diverse perspectives born from different life experiences because they are essential to overcoming challenges and empowering all to thrive.

Integrity We work diligently to establish a trusting and constructive environment so that participants can be vulnerable, think critically, and seek creative solutions.

Relevancy We actively evolve to meet and learn about the changing needs of our community.

What You'll Gain

Leadership SLO is an investment in yourself, your organization, and your community.

Participants have opportunities to:

• Develop greater self-awareness as a leader

• Strengthen communication and critical thinking skills

• Build relationships across sectors and industries

• Explore how key systems and institutions shape our region

• Gain new perspectives on community opportunities and challenges

• Join a network of engaged alumni leaders throughout SLO County

Throughout the program, participants experience hands-on learning, facilitated discussions, site visits, and immersive day sessions focused on issues affecting our community.

How Participants Are Selected

Our goal each year is to build a class with a strong learning dynamic that encourages meaningful dialogue, thoughtful discussion of complex issues, and exposure to new perspectives. We intentionally seek a diverse cohort representing different industries, sectors, communities, cultures, life experiences, and genders from across San Luis Obispo County. The selected class is balanced across the private, nonprofit, public, and volunteer sectors to create a rich and engaging learning environment.

To maintain that balance, we generally do not accept multiple members of the same family, business, organization, or department in a single class.

Because diversity of people, experiences, and viewpoints is central to the program, many highly qualified applicants may not be selected each year. We encourage interested candidates to reapply, as each application cycle is evaluated independently and every applicant pool is considered on its own merits.

Next Steps

Applications, deadlines, required materials, tuition information, scholarships, and program dates can be found on the application page.

Ready to apply?

Here is the timeline we will be following to seat the class this year:

• July 23 - 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

Program Dates & Deadlines

• Day sessions are on the second Friday of each month, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Agriculture Day may begin at 7:00 a.m.

• Some sessions require homework, which involves a time commitment of 2–4 hours.

2027 Friday Day Session 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