Putting Leadership into Action, Solutions into Place.
About the Program
The Bingham Fellows program annually brings together about 40 experienced Louisville leaders to address one of the region’s most critical issues. A diverse class of participants is selected following a competitive application process to ensure the class has content expertise and unique voices representing all parts of the community. As part of the program, this cohort of professional peers meets with local stakeholders and receives training in social innovation. As their program year progresses, they put into practice skills that credential them as a leader of leaders.
Outcomes from over 25 years of Bingham Fellows projects demonstrate both imagination and practical gathering of critical resources to address obvious social needs. Learn about the outcomes of the 2018 class, whose topic was “A Safe and Thriving City: Strengthening our Community’s Ability to Prevent Violence.”
Recent Bingham Fellows projects include the West Louisville community development organization OneWest, regular Café Louie conversations with elected officials at Louisville Free Public Library locations, a sustainable model for neighborhood ‘Little Free Libraries,’ and City Champs, a talent attraction and retention program now managed by Greater Louisville Inc. The impact of the Fellows goes back to the 1990s with the creation of The Housing Partnership, construction of the Presbyterian Community Center, growth of local farmers’ markets, and numerous other positive outcomes.
See highlights of the Bingham Fellows outcomes since 1989.
Bingham Fellows was created in 1988 through a $500,000 endowment from Mary and Barry Bingham Sr.
About the 2020 Bingham Fellows topic
The Bingham Fellows topic for 2020 is: “Making Louisville a Top-Tier City”
How Individuals Benefit
• You’ll have the rare opportunity to make a significant difference while putting your leadership skills to the test.
• Gain recognition as a community leader providing solutions for tough civic challenges.
• Take a deep dive into the issue and gain a greater understanding of your community by hearing from subject matter experts.
• Grow your network by collaborating with a diverse group of professionals to solve complex problems.
How Organizations Benefit
By sending a representative from your organization to participate in the Bingham Fellows, your company will:
• Grow its reach and collaborate with a unique cross-section of organizations in our city.
• Benefit from the opportunity to meet and work with the area’s top experts and key players.
• Gain access to advanced leadership techniques in thinking big and effecting change through participation.
Who Should Apply
The Bingham Fellows program is considered our most advanced leadership course. Community leaders who have expertise or have a strong interest in the Bingham Fellows topic along with a commitment toward positive change should apply. Bingham Fellows participants can be graduates of other Leadership Louisville Center programs including Focus Louisville, Ignite Louisville, and Leadership Louisville, but non-graduates are also encouraged to apply. Graduates of other community and state leadership prorams are also encouraged to participate. If the tuition of this program is a barrier, tuition support can be requested as part of the application process. Requests for tuition support do not diminish your chance of being accepted into the cohort.
See the list of Bingham Fellows graduates since 1991.
Time Commitment
Bingham Fellows participants must attend the mandatory orientation in January and a mandatory two-day retreat, usually in April. Class members are expected to attend each of the program days, which typically take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(see 2020 Bingham Fellows program calendar)
Additionally, a considerable amount of time is spent outside of the program day in small groups to further explore the topic and implement solutions. Groups are formed and begin meeting outside of program days beginning in April.
Tuition
Tuition for the Bingham Fellows program is $4,200 and includes overnight retreat lodging, meals, and materials.
Tuition support is available if the cost is a barrier. You can request support through the Bingham Fellows application form. A typical award would not exceed half of the tuition cost.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2020 Bingham Fellows class are closed. Learn about the application process
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Questions?
See Frequently Asked Questions about Bingham Fellows or contact Aimee Jewell at (502) 561-0458 or via email.
