Emerge FAQ

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It’s a can’t miss if you are truly serious about civic leadership and being a connected community partner.
Essential Class Alum

I always thought you needed a long track record professionally to make a difference. I now know all of us have much to offer.
Essential Class Alum

I’m excited and engaged and ready to have a say
about the issues in my community.
Essential Class Alum

Leadership Austin provides a unique and important role in educating and connecting the community.
Mark Williams, President, AISD Board of Trustees

Thanks to the Essential Class, I’m able to leverage resources to keep students learning at their highest potential.
Suki Steinhauser, Executive Director, Communities In Schools

Leadership Austin motivated me to put my skills
to work in community service.
Gena VanOsselaer, Executive Director, Austin Children's Shelter

Leadership Austin should be required for every
Central Texas citizen!
Julie Shannan, Deputy Director, Girlstart

Emerge FAQs

1. What is Emerge?
2. Who should apply?
3. What are the time commitments involved?
4. What is the tuition cost?

1. What is Emerge?

Emerge is a leadership development program that prepares young professionals for community leadership roles. Participants develop critical leadership skills and create deep relationships to encourage their future involvement and collaboration in addressing the region’s challenges. The program is comprised of 45 participants selected through an application process.
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2. Who should apply?

Ideal candidates for Emerge are individuals who:

are highly motivated to serve their community and have a passion for making a difference
want to cultivate relationships with a network of other community leaders, for both personal and professional benefit
have demonstrated community involvement

In addition, all applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Applicant is at least 23 years of age as of the application deadline.
Applicant has at least two year of employment experience.
Applicant is not a full-time student.
Applicant cannot be a candidate for public office at the time of application.
Applicant is willing and able to commit the time necessary to complete the program. Mandatory time commitments are outlined in the application form.

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3. What are the time commitments involved?

Emerge consists of six bi-weekly sessions (held on Thursday evenings), plus multiple "in the community" learning activities. Dates and times for the six sessions of Emerge 2009 are as follows:

Thursdays, September 3 & 17; October 1, 15 & 29; and November 12
At the offices of Jackson Walker, L.L.P (100 Congress Ave)
5:30 - 6:00 pm - Light dinner
6:00 - 9:00 pm - Program
9:00 - 10:00 pm - Reception

Selected applicants will be expected to meet the following commitment:

Attend all six program sessions (details above)
Arrive on time and attend the entirety of each session
Attend three out of five supplemental activities outside of the regular program sessions (options will be presented at the September 3 session)

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4. What is the tuition cost?

Tuition for the Emerge 2009 program is $450.00.
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Emerge FAQs