Putting Leadership into Action, Solutions into Place.
The Bingham Fellows program annually brings together about 45 experienced Louisville leaders to address one of the region’s most critical issues. Considered our most advanced leadership program, a diverse class of participants is selected following a competitive application process to ensure the class includes content experts and unique voices representing all parts of the community.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE:
For community leaders who have expertise
or a strong interest in the topic
Participants are typically grads of other
LLC or state leadership programs
Year-long program (see calendar)
Classroom instruction & hands-on application
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN – APPLY BEFORE DEADLINE ON OCT. 14, 2023
The cohort meets with topic experts and local stakeholders and experience a practicum in change management and group dynamics. As their program year progresses, they form project teams to take action and create positive social change.
Interested in learning more?
The best way to find out if the program is a good fit for you is by scheduling time to talk with our Engagement Manager, Sara Bowman.
sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org | (502) 753-1492
Schedule a Quick 15-Minute Call
QUICK LINKS
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Topic
Every year, a new topic is chosen – providing focus and a pathway for meaningful action. Outcomes from 30 years of Bingham Fellows projects demonstrate both imagination and practical gathering of critical resources to address obvious social needs.
The topic for our upcoming 2024 class is Safer City: Creating a Thriving City for All, and will focus on making Louisville a safe and vibrant city. Application deadline is October 14, 2023.
Learn More about the 2024 Topic
Take a look at the topics and outcomes for our past few years:
- 2022 | Downtown Moving Forward: Adapt and Reinvent (current class – outcomes presented March 2023)
- 2021 | Belonging: Building a Culture of Inclusivity
- 2020 | Making Louisville a Top-Tier City
Projects
Many projects from our Bingham Fellows teams have gone on to have a lasting impact in the community, moving the needle long after participants have completed their program time. Some of these projects have included:
- 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’
- City Champs, a talent attraction and retention program now managed by Greater Louisville Inc.
- The creation of The Housing Partnership
- Construction of the Presbyterian Community Center
- Growth of local farmers’ markets
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.
Who Should Apply
The Bingham Fellows program is considered our most advanced leadership course. Community leaders who have the expertise or have a strong interest in the Bingham Fellows topic along with a commitment toward positive change are encouraged to apply. Bingham Fellows participants can be graduates of other Leadership Louisville Center programs, but participation in previous programs is not required. Graduates of other community and state leadership programs are also invited to apply.
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.
Details and Tuition
Time Commitment: Bingham Fellows is a year-long program, with monthly program days, a mandatory opening session in January, and a mandatory overnight retreat in May. Class members are expected to attend each of the program days, which typically take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (see the full 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 May.
Tuition: Tuition for the Bingham Fellows program is $4,800 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.
If you have questions about any of these details, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to Sara Bowman at sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org.
How Individuals Benefit
- You’ll have the rare opportunity to make a significant difference while learning advanced strategic change management skills.
- 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 engaging with 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 decision-makers.
- Gain access to advanced leadership techniques in thinking big and effecting change.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2024 Bingham Fellows class are now open. Our selection committee considers experience, community service, responses to essay questions, and approval from your employer/supervisor. The application consists of two parts:
- Submit your online application. The whole application must be completed in one session. (The deadline to apply is October 14, 2023)
- High Quality Photo (headshot). Please submit a photo that is at least 1200px wide and at least 200 pixels per inch resolution. The photo may be uploaded as part of your online application, or you can email your photo to Sara Bowman at sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org.
Questions?
Have questions about the program? See Frequently Asked Questions about Bingham Fellows or feel free to reach out to Sara Bowman, and she’ll help you determine if this program is a good fit for you:
sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org | (502) 753-1492
Schedule a Meeting or Call
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