CORE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Participants experience a community leadership program framed around statewide issues. Class members will engage in interactive learning experiences, events, socials, community-engaged projects, and strengths-based coaching. These shared experiences transform individuals into a network of leaders ready to shape Rhode Island's future. The Core Program is not a starting point for leadership development, but rather a process for leaders to enhance their commitment to Rhode Island. Following graduation, you will join Leadership Rhode Island's network of more than 3,000 alumni.
CLASS OF 2026 - CHI II - SCHEDULE
Centered on engagement, the program begins with a two-day overnight Orientation Retreat in January, followed by monthly session days from January to October. Full participation is required on session days and attendance at the retreat is mandatory. Employer support is essential as session days occur during typical work hours (7:30am-5:30pm). Leadership in Action projects, completed by small teams within the class, are community-based projects that could require an additional 10 hours monthly. Additional learning opportunities, events, and socials will be provided throughout the year, and these are optional.
January 8 & 9 (Overnight Retreat)
January 28
February 25
March 25
April 17
May 27
June 24
July 29
August 12 (Make Up)
August 26
September 30
October 21 (Commencement)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Selection of participants is based on information provided on the application, two letters of reference, and a personal interview.
Please allow ample time for the following steps:
Step 1: Complete online application. You will be prompted to pay the $60 non-refundable application fee prior to submission. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Step 2: Send Reference Letter Form to TWO references. You will receive your customized link to the Reference Letter Form in the follow up email after you submit your application. References must be submitted by Sunday, October 19, 2025.
Step 3: Await scheduling by Leadership Rhode Island for an alumni panel interview.
*Admission decisions will be emailed the week of November 10th, 2025.
Early Interviews: If you would like to join our early round of interviews, which take place during the last two weeks of August, submit your application by August 1.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A committee made up of Leadership Rhode Island alumni will select a cohort of approximately 75 leaders who demonstrate a commitment to Rhode Island and are driven to positively transform the state. The committee seeks to create a dynamic and well-balanced class, with an emphasis on broad representation of sectors, occupations, generations, backgrounds, geographic residence, and community interests.
TUITION
The $6700 tuition covers all program costs, including meals, materials, and all resources associated with the retreat and session days. Payment in full is due Monday, December 8th, 2025. There is also an option that calls for a 25 percent initial payment and a payment schedule that ends with a final payment by September 1st, 2026. Acceptable payment methods: check or cashiers check payable to "Leadership Rhode Island," or online payment. Note: online payments include a 2.9% + .30 cents credit card processing fee. Tuition is non-refundable.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Leadership Rhode Island has a tuition assistance fund available to those who demonstrate financial need. Please know that funds are limited and are need-based, which is why we require a separate application for those seeking assistance. Please let Teresa know if you are interested in applying for tuition assistance (tdeflitch@leadershipri.org). Note: tuition assistance requests are considered independently from applications for admission.
If you have any questions about Tuition Assistance, please contact Teresa DeFlitch at tdeflitch@leadershipri.org. Requests for assistance will be kept confidential.
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