The Flagship Program

Applications for 2026 are now open!

Thank you for your interest in the Leadership Greater Syracuse flagship program! For 34 years we have been inspiring people to make a difference in the community.

If you believe in our community and want to make it better, you are qualified to be in LGS!

If you are an individual/employer who wants to take an active role and become part of a network of engaged community leaders, then the LGS flagship program is for you. Whether new in your career, looking to advance, want to give back to the community, or looking to do something in retirement, you will be inspired by the LGS experience.

This program will immerse you in the challenges and the achievements of our community and provide you with a unique experiential way to build your leadership skills.

The lifelong skills acquired can be applied at work, at home, and in the community. Participants enhance their own leadership style and become aware of the leadership styles of others. Graduates are far more valuable to their employers and the organizations for which they volunteer. They become better listeners, better collaborators, and better communicators. LGSers have the knowledge and the courage to lead change.

By completing the application for our year-long experience, you are taking a giant step toward learning how to get involved in the community WHILE building your personal and professional skills.

Final candidates are selected through an inclusive process that creates a class reflective of the CNY community. This includes: gender, age, race/ethnicity, physical ability, profession, business sector, and community involvement.

The application takes 20-30 minutes to complete, and you will have the opportunity to save and return to the application. You will need to include your supervisor’s email so that LGS can be assured that they are aware of the time commitment and cost, should you be accepted.

As a part of applying, candidates will be asked to pay a $45 application fee. All applicants will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute interview. Applications for the class of 2026 are now open! The deadline is Friday, August 29, 2025. 

Time Commitment

LGS participation requires a time commitment of a two-day retreat in February followed by 9 monthly, full-day classes (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., typically the second Thursday of the month). The class day schedule is provided at the interview.  Each class member will also help plan two class days during the year which requires additional meeting time (based on all team member schedules). There are no overnight or weekend requirements. Total time commitment for the year is approximately 120 hours.

If a participant misses more than 16 hours of class time, they will be excused from the program.

Tuition

If selected, nonrefundable tuition of $4,375 is due December 31 each year. Payment plans and partial tuition assistance are available, as funds allow.

Should you have any questions, please email robin@leadsyr.org or michele@leadsyr.org.

Thank you for your interest. We can’t wait to meet you. Apply below by August 29, 2025!