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Leadership Essentials (LE) is a six-month leadership development program for emerging and mid-level leaders offered through ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ University Maryland, in collaboration with. From December - June, a diverse cohort of 30-35 leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, work together to strengthen and expand their leadership skills through intensive one-on-one coaching, in-person workshops, and team-based projects to address the needs of local nonprofit organizations.

Three-Pronged Approach

Leadership Essentials is designed with you in mind: a rising star who demonstrates a passion and commitment to develop as a leader in both your organization and your community. You will take your leadership skills to the next level with our three-pronged approach:

Skill Building Sessions

Check back for dates for Leadership Essentials 2027! 

One-on-One Leadership Coaching 

What makes Leadership Essentials unique is that, in addition to sessions, our participants work one-on-one with a leadership coach twice per month for the duration of the program. Coaching sessions are confidential and help participants gain confidence and achieve results. Coaching can help you:

• Establish personal and professional goals
• Identify and explore challenges at work
• Create an action plan uniquely suited to your needs
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Improve relationships

Community Impact Projects

Often considered a highlight of the program, participants work in small teams on a Community Impact Project to support a local nonprofit. Projects provide an opportunity for you to:

• Strengthen your leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Build relationships with your teammates
• Make a difference in your local community

Many Leadership Essentials graduates stay involved with the nonprofits they work with during the program or find other ways to give back to the community upon completion of the program.

The Cohort

Who participates in Leadership Essentials?

Individuals who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey! The cohort is a diverse mix of managers and individual contributors with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and education levels. Candidates typically live or work in the region and are viewed as rising stars in their organizations. Applicants are emerging and mid-level leaders who want to develop their self-awareness, improve their communication and leadership skills, and have a desire to participate in community service. Selected participants represent a cross-section of the community: large and small businesses, government, education, health care, and nonprofits.

Learn More About Leadership Essentials 

Join the Waitlist!

Join our waitlist and be the first to know when applications open!

Virtual Information Sessions

The Leadership Essentials program hosts virtual information sessions leading up to the October deadline. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, meet other interested participants, and hear from program alumni. Check back for dates for Information Sessions for Leadership Essentials 2027! 

Meet with Staff

Can't make an Information Session or have a question? Please contact Katherine Keefe, Leadership Programs Director at kkeefe@loyola.edu, or schedule a 1:1 meeting.

Tuition

Tuition for Leadership Essentials 2027 is $4,150. Payment plans may be arranged upon request.

Tuition payments will be due in December 2026, after applications have been reviewed and participants have been accepted

A limited amount of financial aid is available for interested candidates who are self-employed, work for a nonprofit organization, or face financial difficulties. The amount of financial aid offered will be based on the number of requests received. Tuition assistance and payment plan requests are considered separately and have no impact on your application. 

Apply

The Leadership Essentials 2027 Application will be available this Summer and will be due on October 12, 2026. The Leadership Essentials 2027 Participant Application Fee is $50, to be paid upon the submission of your application. 
For more information, please contact Katherine Keefe, Leadership Programs Director at kkeefe@loyola.edu.