PUTTING EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR THE COMMUNITY

Ideal Encore Louisville candidates are:

• Experienced senior community leaders.
• Retired or transitioning from their career but are still active in their professions.
• Typically, over 50 and have significant leadership experience, including board and nonprofit involvement throughout their careers.

The program will take place over 12 months. The experience involves program days in late January, late April/early May, late July/early August, and November. Participants self-select to take part in one to two projects over the course of the year. Each of these projects will involve an estimated 15-20 hours across approximately 3 months. Click here to view the program calendar. 

The Leadership Louisville Center programs have attendance policies to ensure the best possible experience for all participants. If program sessions are not attended, it impacts the experience of everyone in the program.

Program tuition is non-refundable under any circumstances, including withdrawal or dismissal.

General Attendance Rules

• Mandatory Sessions: Missing a mandatory session (such as an opening day or retreat) in whole or in part will result in automatic dismissal from the program and forfeiture of tuition.
• Allowed absences: For non-mandatory sessions, full-day and partial-day absences are both counted. Time away from a program day will be tracked, and 8 hours total equals one (1) absence. Each program specifies how many absences are allowed.
• Exceeding allowed absences: If you exceed the absence limit for your program, your continued participation will be reviewed by the Leadership Louisville Center Board of Directors. You must petition the Board in writing within 30 days of notification, explaining the reasons for your absences. Failure to petition will result in dismissal.
• Consecutive absences: Consecutive absences beyond the program’s limit will result in automatic dismissal.

Encore Louisville Attendance Policy

• One (1) excused absence is allowed.
• A second absence triggers review by the Board of Directors.
• If approved to continue, a third absence will result in dismissal.
• Participation in at least one project per year is required to remain in the program and be eligible for renewal.

Encore Louisville is a professionally managed and facilitated program with significant administrative costs, including meals and accommodations on program days. In lieu of tuition, participants contribute to the Center’s operations and scholarship funds which demonstrates self-support of the program’s activities and philanthropic support for leaders in our community. To participate in Encore Louisville for 2026, participants are asked to support the Leadership Louisville Center at $550.

The Encore Louisville program focuses on growing relationships and building a better community together by connecting with other professionals at this stage in their life and careers. Participants will gain expertise and assistance from the highest-level community trustees and further develop their facilitation, consultation, and team-building skills.

Encore Louisville classes have approximately 40-45 leaders.

Our selection committee considers experience, community service, and professional skills when selecting Encore Louisville participants. The application consists of two parts:

• Submit your online application.
• Upload a 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 at the link at the bottom of this page

Applications are open year-round for Encore Louisville. Applicants will be considered complete once all components of the application have been received by the Leadership Louisville Center. A selection committee determines which applicants will be invited to participate in Encore Louisville.