Application | FAQs | Current Class | Alumni Association | Affiliate Program
Application FAQs
1. Is the Essential Class right for me?
2. What will I gain from participating?
3. What if I don't live in Austin?
4. What if I applied previously and was not selected?
5. What are the time commitments for the Essential Class?
6. I'm not sure I can attend all of the Class days - can I still participate?
7. What is the cost of tuition? Is tuition assistance available?
8. When will I find out if I've been awarded a scholarship or loan?
9. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
10. How can I best convey my experience/interests on the application?
11. How long should I plan to spend completing the application?
12. Who will review the applications?
13. When will I find out if I've been selected?
1. Is the Essential Class right for me?
The Leadership Austin Essential Class interweaves three curriculum elements in an intensive nine-month experience: an in-depth exploration of the region’s horizon issues; an opportunity for experienced civic leaders to hone leadership competencies; and the opportunity for diverse participants to extend their connections to better serve their civic and professional goals.
The Essential Class curriculum is targeted to individuals who have already gained experience in civic leadership roles which contained a moderate level of uncertain elements, complex problems, diverse constituents, and projects requiring as long as 1-3 years to complete. An example would be leading a task force or initiative in which the goals are known but the process and constituencies for reaching those goals are unclear. Essential Class members recognize that civic leadership experiences may differ somewhat from business leadership experiences; while similar leadership competencies are required in each environment, different leadership contexts may call for different processes.
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2. What will I gain from participating?
Participation in the Essential Class offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a unique nine-month experience during which you will learn a great deal about yourself and about the many communities that comprise Central Texas. In addition, you will make lifetime friendships with individuals representing the diversity of the region. Watch the video below for thoughts from the Class of 2008 about their Essential Class experience.
What's more, the Essential Class is just the beginning of your association with Leadership Austin. Graduates of the Essential Class are eligible to participate in the Essential Class Alumni Association by paying annual dues. Alumni Association members participate in special educational, social, and networking events, receive discounts to other Leadership Austin programs, have access to the members-only section of our online directory, and more. Perhaps more importantly, Essential Class alumni find that they are part of an ever-expanding network of regional leaders they can always call upon for advice and information.
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3. What if I don't live in Austin?
Applications are welcomed from individuals living or working within the five-county (Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell and Hays) Central Texas area who are committed to civic leadership roles that benefit Central Texas. Because the Essential Class curriculum frames its programming in a regional context, it is valuable to have participants representing all areas.
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4. What if I applied previously and was not selected?
Individuals who have previously applied and were not selected for the Essential Class are strongly encouraged to reapply. Many Essential Class alumni were selected to participate in the Class after more than one application. Experienced civic leaders recognize that a long-term perspective and perseverance are essential to success.
Because the Essential Class is a working laboratory for honing leadership skills to work effectively with diverse constituencies and in complex leadership environments, the curriculum will only be successful if the class composition reflects the diversity of the region. The Selection Committee will select individuals to make up a Class that reflects the region’s geographic, ethnic, and professional diversity, bringing together individuals from all neighborhoods, interests, backgrounds, and religious sectors.
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5. What are the time commitments for the Essential Class?
The Essential Class includes 10 days of in-class programming: two overnight retreats (all day Friday and Saturday morning) and seven additional full days of programming, at which attendance is required. You are encouraged to mark these dates on your calendar to hold them open for the Essential Class:
- Opening Retreat on September 12-13, 2008
- Seven monthly classes on October 15, November 19, and December 17, 2008; and January 21, February 18, March 11, and April 15, 2009
- May Retreat on May 8-9, 2009
In addition, Class members will be asked to attend occasional programs/activities outside class and participate in an Action Learning Team project. Essential Class members will be divided into small groups and assigned to work on community projects. These projects will provide an opportunity for Essential Class members to enhance their leadership, relationship building, and collaborative skills. Action Learning Team projects are an integral part of the Essential Class curriculum and participation is mandatory. Time commitments outside of regular class days is equal to an additional 5-10 hours per month.
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6. I'm not sure I can attend all of the Class days - can I still participate?
Attendance at the Opening Retreat is mandatory in order to participate in the Essential Class. Individuals who arrive late to the Opening Retreat or who are absent from the Opening Retreat will be dropped from the Class. In addition, there are attendance requirements for the remaining Class days, which allow for a very limited number of hours of excused absence for unexpected emergencies.
Leadership Austin Essential Class members and alumni include individuals of many faith traditions. Leadership Austin makes every effort to schedule Class activities at times that do not conflict with religious observances; however, this is not possible in every instance. Applicants with questions regarding conflicts between an Essential Class activity or event and a religious observance are asked to contact the Leadership Austin President.
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7. What is the cost of tuition? Is tuition assistance available?
Tuition for the 2008-09 Essential Class is $3,000.
The Leadership Austin Board of Directors has committed that no individual selected for the Essential Class will be unable to participate because of the tuition requirements. Selection to the Essential Class is made without regard to financial circumstances.
To ensure qualified, diverse representation in the Essential Class, Leadership Austin offers partial tuition loans and scholarships to individuals who demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Loan and scholarship requests are considered only after the
Essential Class selection process is complete and will in no way impact consideration of your Leadership Austin Essential Class application.
Before requesting a loan or scholarship from Leadership Austin, Class members are asked to consider all other potential sources for tuition assistance, such as contributions from their employer and the organizations with which they are associated. In addition, Leadership Austin offers tuition loans which enable Class members to pay the tuition over a period of time. After all other potential sources of tuition assistance have been identified, Leadership Austin may grant scholarships up to a maximum of 50% of the tuition cost.
At the end of the Essential Class, many graduates say that participation in the Class has given them an immeasurable return on their investment in their personal development that will continue to benefit them for years to come.
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8. When will I find out if I've been awarded a scholarship or loan?
When you are notified that you have been selected to participate in the Essential Class, you also will be asked to contact the Leadership Austin staff to make arrangements for your loan or scholarship.
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9. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
The most effective letters of recommendation are written by people who know you well, have worked with you in your civic leadership roles, and can write a heartfelt, first-hand testimonial on your behalf. These individuals may include colleagues, friends, family members, clergy, or educators. Leadership Austin does not place requirements on the categories of individuals who write your letters; however, we encourage you to select references who can write about your community leadership roles.
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10. How can I best convey my experience/interests on the application?
The Essential Class application is designed to lead you through a process of reflection about your civic leadership experiences and future goals. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for completing the application:
- Follow instructions. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Angelica Rodriguez at (512) 499-0435, x12 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- Submit your application, application fee, loan/scholarship request (if applicable), and photo via email in advance of the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Stay in touch with the individuals writing your letters of recommendation to ensure they follow-through and submit the letters by the application deadline.
- Give special attention to the section on Civic Activities, Honors, and Awards. List your activities, honors, and awards in two distinct and clearly labeled segments: those you have undertaken as a part of your civic, community, and religious involvement; and those you have undertaken in conjunction with your job, professional development, or career. Provide specific details about the leadership roles you have undertaken, including key responsibilities, notable accomplishments, and dates of involvement. Include a brief (4-5 word) explanation for each entry. Remember that the Selection Committee may not be familiar with an organization or the responsibilities associated with an office or leadership role. For example, a general entry of "served on board of directors for 4 years" does not give specific information as to your role or accomplishments while serving.
- You are encouraged to list activities in other cities; however, emphasis may be placed on activities undertaken in Central Texas.
- In the words of one Selection Committee member, Leadership Austin is looking for applicants who have a "fire in the belly" to make a difference in Central Texas. They are seeking individuals who have demonstrated previous experience in leading initiatives that resulted in a benefit to others. The "Activities" section offers an excellent opportunity for you to inform the Selection Committee about your experience and contributions.
11. How long should I plan to spend completing the application?
Some people have found that completing the application took longer than anticipated and wished they had begun earlier. We encourage you to begin working on your application well before the deadline, and to use it as an opportunity to reflect on your talents, accomplishments, goals for the community, and what you hope to gain for yourself and those you serve from participation in Leadership Austin.
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12. Who will review the applications?
A very diverse and anonymous Selection Committee, appointed annually by the Leadership Austin Executive Committee and Chair, will review the applications and select the participants for the Essential Class.
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13. When will I find out if I've been selected?
A written letter will be mailed to all applicants by August 7, 2008.
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