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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Leadership Central Kentucky (LCK) is a regional leadership development program designed for established leaders across Central Kentucky who are ready to expand their impact beyond their own organizations and communities. Through a series of immersive day sessions, an opening retreat, and a capstone experience, participants explore the key issues shaping the region—exploring topics in economic development, education, healthcare, and public policy, while gaining firsthand exposure to each participating county. The program emphasizes relationship-building across industries and geography, creating a strong network of leaders who are equipped to collaborate and lead effectively at a regional level. |
PRESENTED BY:
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MISSION:
To develop and connect informed leaders across Central Kentucky who are committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and regional perspective.
To develop and connect informed leaders across Central Kentucky who are committed to strengthening their communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and regional perspective.
Leadership Central Kentucky is administered through a partnership between the Leadership Central Kentucky Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and Commerce Lexington. Participating counties include Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must either work or live in any of the following eight counties: Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford. The class will be made up of individuals who work across many sectors, including business, education, the arts, religion, government, and community-based organizations. Preference will be given to individuals who have successfully completed local leadership programs.
What is the time commitment to participate?
The program begins in August with a mandatory orientation. After that, the program consists of full-day sessions the third Wednesday of each month, September through May. The day sessions are hosted in different Central Kentucky counties each month, times and locations will be provided in advance.
Program Schedule:
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 18 & 19, 2026 - Mandatory Orientation Retreat
Day Sessions:
September 16, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 20, 2027
February 17, 2027
March 17, 2027
**April 21, 2027- 4th Wednesday of the month
May 19, 2027 – Reflection/Graduation Day
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the county. Once in the county, bus transportation is provided between venues.
Day sessions will last an average of eight hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Any participant missing more than two regular full day sessions/four half-day increments, will not graduate from the program.
Program Schedule:
Tuesday and Wednesday, August 18 & 19, 2026 - Mandatory Orientation Retreat
Day Sessions:
September 16, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 20, 2027
February 17, 2027
March 17, 2027
**April 21, 2027- 4th Wednesday of the month
May 19, 2027 – Reflection/Graduation Day
Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the county. Once in the county, bus transportation is provided between venues.
Day sessions will last an average of eight hours, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Any participant missing more than two regular full day sessions/four half-day increments, will not graduate from the program.
What is the timeline for applications?
Applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership Central Kentucky Class are open from May 4 - June 8, 2026.
What goes into the selection process?
Participants are chosen by the Leadership Central Kentucky Board based upon their application submission.
Attention is taken to reflect the diversity of the Bluegrass Region’s economy and communities.
The Leadership Central Kentucky Board seeks to identify individuals most likely to utilize their regional leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the region.
Attention is taken to reflect the diversity of the Bluegrass Region’s economy and communities.
The Leadership Central Kentucky Board seeks to identify individuals most likely to utilize their regional leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the region.
How much does it cost?
Tuition for Leadership Central Kentucky is $1,500. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. If financial assistance is sought please attach a letter officially requesting a scholarship and stating your reasons. The scholarship request must accompany the completed application to be considered. Requests for scholarship assistance are completely confidential. (Note: no full scholarships are awarded.)
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PROGRAM BENEFITS:
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PRESENTED BY:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
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GOLD SPONSOR:
SILVER SPONSORS:
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Contact us:
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