Application FAQ's

When is the application period?  The application period for the 2011-12 class year has not yet been determined, but it generally runs 6-8 weeks during March and April.

How do I submit the application?  When the application becomes available online, you may save the document to your computer and complete it.  A couple of  notes:

·    Type your responses to each section in full.  Limit answers to the space provided; the application (excluding the Tuition Commitment Form and any scholarship request documents) should not exceed 4 pages.  Do not staple your application. 

·    Include the Tuition and Commitment Form, which must be signed by both the applicant and employer (Akron area executive). Do not staple it to the application.  Tuition payment is not required until after acceptance.

·    Please provide a photograph suitable for publishing.  This may either be submitted with your application or e-mailed as an attachment to info@lakron.com (a digital photo as an e-mail attachment would be the preferred method).

·    The application (along with the Tuition and Commitment Form and any scholarship request document) must be received in the Leadership Akron office by the deadline.  For questions regarding instructions, please call 330.237.1235 or e-mail info@lakron.com.

Do applicants have to be nominated? No. Nominations generate an initial group of prospective applicants, but anyone can submit an application whether or not s/he was nominated.

What’s tuition? For 2010-11, tuition is $2,400; tuition has not yet been set for 2011-12. Scholarships based on need are available.

Do I have to live in Akron to apply? No. Anyone who lives or works in Summit County can apply.

How selective is the process?  In general, there are 2-3 applicants for every spot in the class. Many candidates apply multiple times before being selected. 

A selection committee, made up of the members of the Leadership Akron Board of Trustees, carefully reviews all submitted applications. Each candidate will have a brief informational interview with a trustee to provide additional background.

The committee looks for applicants who:  

• Have demonstrated commitment and concern through past and present community volunteer activities.
• Have demonstrated a capacity for leadership within their own organizations through significant achievements relative to age and experience.
• Have the ability to make the time commitment required with the full support of the applicant’s employer.  

Other considerations:   

• We seek representation from a diverse group of men and women in business, labor, education, health care, arts, religion, government, community-based organizations, and ethnic and minority groups.
• We seek representation from all geographic areas of the greater Akron region.
• Community service in other communities is considered in the selection process.

Appointment to Leadership Akron is limited. Only one candidate is selected from a business or organization in any given year.

Due to the size restrictions of each year’s class, many well-qualified candidates will not be chosen. Applicants are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years. Candidates must live or work in Summit County.