A leadership program that builds stronger
next-generation leaders.
The graduates of our Ignite Louisville program aren’t just high-performers. They’re movers. Shakers. Future CEOs. Drivers of change in both their companies and the community. They’re the type of young professionals that can’t be content with merely good, and want to strive for exceptional. We help them get there.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE:
For up-and-coming leaders age 25-45
6-Month Program (see calendar)
Classroom instruction & hands-on application
Applications will open again Summer 2023
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Presenting Sponsor:
Ignite Louisville is a professional development program like no other. This award-winning experience combines training, intensive team building, and hands-on work with a local nonprofit over the course of 6 months. Our participants graduate with the skills, confidence, problem-solving abilities, and connections essential to realizing leadership potential – pushing the needle for both our participants and their employers.
Interested in learning more?
Contact our Engagement Manager Aimee Jewell.
ajewell@leadershiplouisville.org | (502) 468-2426 (cell)
Schedule a Quick 15-Minute Call
QUICK LINKS
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How it Works
Ignite Louisville is an immersive experience that pushes young professionals out of their comfort zones and into active leadership roles. There are two main components:
1. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- Two-Day Retreat. This mandatory retreat launches the class. It gives participants the opportunity to learn more about themselves, their leadership style, and effective team dynamics. We will form teams, and begin the deep networking that continues throughout the program.
- Monthly Program Days. Participants get top training from some of the region’s most high-profile corporations and the Center’s highly-rated curriculum. Topics include: innovation, creative thinking, project management, effective communication, personal branding, DE&I, and leading up, down, and across.
2. LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
- Ignite Louisville Challenge. This is the hands-on aspect of the program. Teams form and partner with area nonprofits to apply the teamworking and leadership lessons learned during the program. The challenge culminates at graduation, where the teams present their projects for a chance to win (see the last set of projects here).
Program days, deep networking, and nonprofit partnerships allow participants to forge relationships with a broader network of young professionals and achieve heightened visibility within the community.
Want more information about the program? Schedule a quick 15-minute talk with our Engagement Manager Aimee Jewell.
Schedule a Quick 15-Minute Call
Who Should Apply
Ideal Ignite Louisville candidates are:
- High-performing young professionals or up-and-coming leaders who are on the path to significant leadership positions within their organizations.
- Individuals who are engaged, involved, and ready to make a positive impact both in their career and in their community.
- Typically between the ages of 25-45, with the average applicant in their mid-thirties. Leaders above and below this mean are invited to contact us and we can help you decide if Ignite Louisville is right for you.
Details and Tuition
Time Commitment: Ignite Louisville is offered once a year (October-April). The program includes:
- A mandatory two-day opening retreat
- One full program day per month
- Time spent working with a nonprofit partner in the Ignite Louisville Challenge civic leadership project outside of program days.
Participants are expected to attend all program days, so please check the program calendar to ensure the dates work for your schedule prior to submitting an application.
Tuition: Tuition for Ignite Louisville is $4,200. This includes overnight retreat lodging, meals, and materials. We understand that this is a barrier for some, and encourage you to reach out to us for guidance on how to convince your employer to fund the cost of the program. If your employer is unable to support your participation financially, tuition assistance through Leadership Louisville Center is available based on need. You can request tuition assistance through your application form.
How Individuals Benefit
- Exclusive leadership development training from the Leadership Louisville Center and our partner organizations – which include top Louisville employers (such as Brown-Forman) and the U.S. Army (our Ft. Knox program day is unforgettable). Topics include: innovation, creative thinking, project management, effective communication, personal branding, DE&I, and leading up, down, and across.
- Unforgettable experiences and valuable new relationships with a diverse network of young professionals.
- Recognition as a rising young professional leader with demonstrated ability to take on leadership challenges and serve on civic boards and committees.
- Leadership lessons that can only be learned outside your comfort zone.
How Organizations Benefit
- Higher performing young professional talent and increased leadership capacity – participants learn through 50 hours of professional development and nearly 100 hours in applied teamwork.
- Stronger employee engagement as young professionals are better equipped for leadership roles within their company and are supported in their deeper involvement in the community.
- Valuable business connections with the region’s top corporations, including access to invaluable internal training programs of these organizations.
- Local recognition as an organization dedicated to growing the next generation of leaders in our community.
Learn More about how Employees Benefit
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How to Apply
Applications for the next program (October 2023 – April 2024) will open in Summer 2023. Our selection committee considers experience, community service, responses to essay questions, and approval from your employer/supervisor. The application consists of three parts:
- Submit your online application. The online form will open Summer 2023.
- Supervisor Commitment Form. A form from your supervisor must be completed to be considered for the program. If you have more than one supervisor who would be impacted by your participation in Ignite Louisville, you must submit a commitment form from each of them.
- 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 Aimee Jewell at ajewell@leadershiplouisville.org.
Questions?
Have questions about the program? See Frequently Asked Questions about Ignite Louisville, attend an upcoming Information Session, or feel free to reach out to Aimee Jewell, and she’ll help you determine if this program is a good fit for you:
ajewell@leadershiplouisville.org | (502) 468-2426 (cell)
Schedule a Meeting or Call
Or fill out this form and we’ll get back to you with more information:
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Nonprofits interested in an Ignite Louisville Team
The most powerful aspect of the Ignite Louisville program is the service-learning component. Teams of these young professionals partner with local nonprofits to compete in the Ignite Louisville Challenge. This partnership is for the benefit of and completely free for our partner organizations. If you are a nonprofit interested in having an Ignite Louisville team of your own, click here to learn more about how our organization can help you achieve your goals.
Sponsor
