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Youth applications open April 1 and adult applications open April 15!

Program Snapshot

Leadership Lincoln develops strong leaders for a stronger Lincoln. We engage and connect individuals from diverse backgrounds by equipping them with impactful opportunities to deepen their awareness, knowledge, and skills related to leadership to better serve our community. It’s about more than just networking – it’s about creating real, meaningful change. 

Flagship

  • The Leadership Lincoln Flagship cohort is a transformative leadership experience for emerging and mid-career leaders who are ready to deepen their leadership capacity and engage meaningfully with the Lincoln community. Designed to build informed, connected, and values-driven leaders, the program immerses participants in the systems, challenges, and opportunities shaping our city.

    Through experiential learning, candid dialogue, and exposure to community leaders across sectors, participants develop greater self-awareness, civic understanding, and the skills needed to lead collaboratively. The Flagship Program equips leaders to translate insight into action, and strengthen their organizations, expanding their networks, and contributing to lasting community impact.

  • flagship photo

Executive

  • Executive

  • The Leadership Lincoln Executive cohort is a selective program designed for senior-level leaders with significant professional and community experience. Distinct from the flagship Leadership Lincoln program, the Executive Cohort offers a deeper, more strategic exploration of complex civic issues facing Lincoln, with an emphasis on systems-level thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and peer-to-peer learning.

    Participants engage in high-level dialogue, immersive experiences, and candid conversations with fellow executives and community decision-makers. The program is designed to challenge perspectives, strengthen leadership influence, and equip participants to lead meaningful change within their organizations and across our community.

Youth

  • Strong youth leadership is a sound investment in the future of Lincoln and Lancaster County. The Youth Leadership Lincoln program (YLL) works to enhance the knowledge and leadership skills of area high school students by motivating and empowering them to be committed to their community.

    The YLL program provides an interactive, hands-on experience in which students focus on developing leadership skills and a life-long commitment to community service. Participants have the opportunity to meet with community leaders from all areas of society and learn firsthand how youth leadership can make a difference.

  • Youth

Intended Program Outcomes                        

Participants in Leadership Lincoln programs will: 

  • Strengthen Leadership Skills and Enhance Strategic Thinking: Develop self-awareness, decision-making, and ethical leadership abilities applicable in personal, professional, and community settings. Learn to approach complex community issues with systems-level insight (especially emphasized in Executive cohorts). 
  • Expand Civic Awareness and Increase Community Engagement: Gain a deeper understanding of the systems, challenges, and opportunities shaping Lincoln. Apply leadership resources to initiatives that create meaningful impact in organizations and the broader community. 
  • Build Cross-Sector Relationships while Fostering Inclusive Leadership: Connect with peers, community leaders, and decision-makers to foster collaboration and collective impact. Embrace diversity of thought, background, and perspective to lead in ways that strengthen community cohesion. 

FAQs

  • What makes Leadership Lincoln unique?

    We provide a space for leaders to connect, grow, and develop skills that go beyond leading - fostering insight, empathy, and effectiveness in every aspect of leadership.

    We encourage sharing diverse perspectives and experiences to help build a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable Lincoln.

    We cultivate a community of changemakers dedicated to the well-being, growth, and prosperity of our city.

  • Which program is right for me - Flagship or Executive?

    Flagship Cohort: Designed for emerging and mid-career leaders who want to build leadership skills, expand their network, and deepen their understanding of Lincoln’s civic and community systems. If you’re looking to grow your leadership capacity, explore community challenges, and connect with peers across sectors, Flagship is the right fit.

    Executive Cohort: Tailored for senior-level leaders with significant professional and community experience. This program dives deeper into systems-level thinking, strategic problem-solving, and advanced leadership challenges. If you are looking to expand your influence, collaborate with fellow executives, and tackle complex community issues, the Executive Cohort is ideal.

    Tip: Ask yourself about your current experience, professional level, and the depth of community engagement you want. Flagship strengthens foundational and mid-level leadership, while Executive builds on that foundation for high-level strategic impact.

  • What makes a qualified candidate for YLL?

    To qualify for the Youth Leadership Lincoln program, a student must:
    - Be entering his or her sophomore/tenth-grade year of high school in Lincoln/Lancaster County for the 26-27 school year
    - Demonstrate an interest in and a potential for leadership
    - Show self-motivation with a broad range of interests and a willingness to contribute to the group process
    - Commit the time and energy required to participate in the program

  • What is the tuition?

    - Flagship: $ 3,750.00
    - Executives: $ 4,750.00 (includes participation for one spouse or significant other from the executive’s personal life, reinforcing the program’s focus on whole-life leadership. The additional participant should not be someone from the executive’s professional sphere.)
    - Youth: $350.00

    Please note that tuition is non-refundable.

  • Are scholarships available?

    Tuition assistance may be available through a scholarship program. If you are interested in scholarship support, that request must be made when your application is submitted. Scholarships may be offered to applicants at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

  • Are YLL absences considered school-excused?

    All of Lincoln's public high schools consider the program days to be sanctioned school activity days; therefore, participants are not counted absent on those days. Students at Pius X, Lincoln Christian, Lincoln Lutheran, Parkview Christian, Malcolm, Norris, Raymond Central, and Waverly High Schools should consult their principal about the attendance policy in their schools.

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