Leadership Unlimited
Leadership Unlimited (LU) develops individuals into effective business and community leaders. With the first class graduating in 1983, this community leadership program expands participants’ knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within Richland County through tours, activities, and discussions. Designed for mid-career professionals, the program incorporates personal leadership development through The Leadership Challenge® Workshop.
Learning Outcomes
The Leadership Unlimited Program will empower participants to:
- become more aware of the challenges and opportunities facing Richland County.
- develop practical skills to lead confidently within their career and community roles.
- understand what community initiatives are underway and how they can join.
- interact with senior leaders and elected officials.
- expand their network of community-minded colleagues.
- discover nonprofit volunteer and board opportunities.
What will I experience on a typical day?
A Leadership Unlimited program day is designed to incorporate many different adult learning styles with discussions, experiential activities, panels, company tours, and service projects. Here is an agenda for a typical day:
8:45 a.m. – Coffee and light breakfast
9 a.m. – Panel discussion
11 a.m. – Business tour 1
12 p.m. – Lunch and activity
1 p.m. – Business tour 2
2 p.m. – Speaker
3 p.m. – Debriefing
3:30 p.m. – Capstone project discussion
Program Day Topics
Program day sessions cover such areas as:
- Education
- Responses to Crime
- Health Equity and Access
- Housing
- Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
- Workforce Development
- Economic Development
Program Impact
Class of 2024 cohort members completed a reflective post-survey on leadership skills development, community familiarization, and professional network growth as a result of the program. Participants reported growth in all of these areas. Scroll through to view the program impact on participants after completing the program.
Informational Webinar
A webinar on Feb. 19, 2025, from 4-4:30 will cover what’s expected from participants during the Leadership Unlimited program each month. You’ll also discover the program’s learning outcomes and impact. Hear the details and get your questions answered before applying.
Class of 2026 Application Information
Participants
An average of 30-40 parcipants will be selected annually from a cross-section of the community including business, the arts, religion, education, community and civic groups, organized labor, minority organizations, government, and the professions.
Selection
Candidates selected for the LU program will possess a sincere commitment, motivation, and interest to serve the Richland County community. LU seeks participants who have demonstrated leadership in their respective areas of influence within the community. A selection committee will review all completed applications and select those applicants who have demonstrated commitment, leadership ability, and a desire to serve their community. Please note, that only one participant per organization will be accepted. It is encouraged that organizations have an internal process for nominating one applicant.
Tuition
Tuition for the program is $1,500. Tuition should be met by the participant and his or her sponsoring organization or employer. Payment plans may be arranged, and financial aid is available.
Commitment
Leadership Unlimited requires that a participant have the full support of the organization he or she represents. To graduate from Leadership Unlimited, a participant must meet these attendance requirements:
- Orientation – Thursday, Aug. 21 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (required, but could be made up if necessary)
- Overnight Retreat at Mohican Lodge & Conference Center: Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. to Friday, Sept. 5 at 12 p.m. (This is the Thursday and Friday after Labor Day. Absence results in removal from the program.)
- One full weekday per month, the second Thursday, October through June from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (up to two absences permitted.)
- 2024 Program Days: October 9, November 13, December 11
- 2025 Program Days: January 8, February 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11.
- Capstone Project (Program days will include time for planning. Scheduling time outside of program days is likely.)
- Meeting Attendance: Attend a nonprofit board meeting, service club, or city/village council meeting during the program year. Submit a summary to the Director.
- Graduation celebration on June 11, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (strongly encouraged)
Apply Today
Applications for the class of 2025-2026 are due by March 28, 2025.
Leadership Unlimited has opened doors and created long-lasting relationships that have positively impacted my business. Through those relationships, I am able to offer connections to services beyond my scope of work. It’s this additional level of customer service that helps HR Outfitters stand out! A result that has paid dividends over and over again.” Ted Hahn, Consultant, HR Outfitters, LLC
Thank you to our Leadership Unlimited 2024-2025 Sponsors
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