Interested in our leadership program for young professionals here in Louisville, but want to learn more? Click below to get answers to some of our frequently asked questions! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to Sara Bowman at sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org.


What is Focus Louisville?

Who should attend Focus Louisville?

What is the Focus Louisville program experience like?

What will I get to do in Focus Louisville?

What can I expect to take away from Focus Louisville?

What does my business gain from my participation?

What is the time commitment involved?

What is the cost?

Is tuition support available?

How many people participate each session?

I’m interested, but I don’t know if my employer will support me. What should I do?

How do I register for Focus Louisville?


What is Focus Louisville?

Focus Louisville is a 2 ½ day activity-filled program that offers everyone from newcomers to native Louisvillians a fascinating “insider’s” look at our community. It’s all designed to give attendees a more complete view and understanding of Louisville along with a better sense of how to put leadership into action.

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Who should attend Focus Louisville?

Focus Louisville is the “gateway” experience through which we encourage all leaders to enter.  Focus Louisville is a 2 ½-day program that provides a behind-the-scenes tour of the Louisville community, offering you a chance to meet the people, explore the places, and experience the leadership that make our city extraordinary.  It’s a great way to learn more about what Louisville has to offer, expand networks personally and professionally, gain exposure for your organization, and truly engage with Louisville.  Focus Louisville is not just for new residents of the city; you can be a lifelong Louisvillian but we guarantee you’ll still find there are things you didn’t know!

Classes are comprised of a diverse group of leaders including: young professionals, managers, business owners, nonprofit directors and senior business executives at major corporations.  See the roster of the most recent Focus Louisville graduates.

Participating in Focus Louisville also strengthens your application for Leadership Louisville, Ignite LouisvilleBingham Fellows and Encore Louisville.

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What is the Focus Louisville program experience like?

Over 2 ½ days the Focus Louisville class explores Louisville’s history, culture, business and economy, arts and government. They establish an understanding of Louisville’s educational system and social services. And finally, they are challenged to activate their call to community leadership.

Focus Louisville is held four times per year – twice in the spring and twice in the fall. The time commitment is 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. – Noon on Saturday. Find out when next sessions will be held and register now.

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What will I get to do in Focus Louisville?

Focus Louisville is a fast-paced program in which you’ll have the chance to do the following:

  • Tour the city and examine its history, current standing and possibilities;
  • Meet and engage with 50 other Louisville leaders who are learning alongside you;
  • Interact with leaders in government, law enforcement, economic development, education and social services;
  • Visit our public schools and social service agencies to gain a better understanding of the issues facing our community and ways in which you can make a difference;
  • Process what you’ve learned through hands-on activities; and
  • Depart inspired to make an impact on your city through civic leadership.

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What can I expect to take away from Focus Louisville?

Individuals benefit from participation in a variety of ways:

  • Inspiration through a hands-on learning experience of Louisville’s past, present and potential future.
  • Exposure to local leaders, issues and opportunities for community leadership.
  • New friendships, new ideas and new perspectives from a diverse group of people within our community.

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What does my business gain from my participation?

How your organization benefits:

  • Unique way to enhance operational training, as well as recognize and reward top talent.
  • A personal, informational way to introduce new employees to all that Louisville has to offer.
  • Valuable new relationships that can result in new opportunities and added visibility for your organization.

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What is the time commitment involved?

Focus Louisville is a 2 ½-day program, consisting of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. – Noon on Saturday.

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What is the cost?

Focus Louisville program tuition is $900, which includes meals, transportation, parking and materials.

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Is tuition support available?

Limited tuition support is available based on need. Please note that the Leadership Louisville Center does not award full tuition support. Requests will only be considered before registration. To request support for Focus Louisville tuition, click here.

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How many people participate in Focus Louisville each session?

Typical class size for Focus Louisville is approximately 50 participants.

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I’m interested, but I don’t know if my employer will support me. What should I do?

Organizations benefit from your participation in many ways. It increases your visibility among a diverse group of people and companies, engages you in the Louisville community and enhances operational training.

Let the Leadership Louisville Center make the case for your participation in the class! Employers can contact Sara Bowman at sbowman@leadershiplouisville.org or 502-753-1492 to learn how valuable Focus Louisville can be for your organization.

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How do I register for Focus Louisville?

Focus Louisville is open to everyone, with registration now available for upcoming sessions on our Focus Louisville main page. Sessions usually sell out, so please register early for the dates that work best for you.

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