How to Apply

Important Notes

The application deadline for the Class of 2024-25 has closed. Check back in January 2025 for the next application period.

Application Overview/FAQ’s

The selection of the Leadership Rockland Class is a competitive process based on the completion of an Application and an Interview. A committee comprised of Leadership Rockland board members and alumni review and rate every application based on the candidate’s responses to the questions presented. Candidates are then interviewed privately by members of the Selection Committee. A series of standardized questions are asked of each candidate. Final selection is based on the application and interview scores as well as factors such as occupation and type of business or industry to ensure a balanced class.

Do I need someone to nominate me for the program? You do not need someone to nominate you for the program. If you want to be part of the next class, submit a completed application and the required additional information in order to be considered.

When does the application period begin? Applications are accepted beginning in January.

When is the deadline for submitting an application? The application deadline is May 1st for the following September’s class. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

How can I apply? The application must be completed online. Click the Apply Now button below to access the application. If you encounter any problems please contact our webmaster at webmaster@leadershiprockland.org. Once you have submitted the application, you will receive a confirmation email, which will remind you that other materials may need to be forwarded to us before your application will be deemed complete. Please add this email address to your contacts to ensure you receive any return communication from us.

Is there a fee to apply? A non-refundable fee of $25 must accompany all applications. This fee may be waived in whole or in part for those who have paid to attend any Leadership Rockland events between September 1st of last year and May 1st.

What other items need to be submitted?

  • A current résumé/CV/Bio – uploaded with the online application.
  • Two (2) Personal Recommendations – submitted via our online form. DO NOT submit letters of reference independently.

Each reference/recommendation should be from a separate source (different organizations), and only one may be from someone on the Board of Directors.

Important Note:  When you complete the application, you will provide us with the names and emails of your references. We will then send them the link to the online recommendation form which they will complete and send back to us. Note this is an automated process so be certain you include the correct email for your references. We will notify you if we do not receive the recommendation forms submitted on your behalf in a timely fashion. It remains your responsibility to keep in contact with your references to ensure they are getting the recommendation form to us in time, as all materials must be received by the application deadline.

If for any reason materials cannot be submitted online, please use the following email or address and notify us that materials are coming via mail or email.

What happens after I submit my application? Applications are forwarded to the selection committee. Once the applications have been reviewed by the committee an interview will be scheduled. You will be contacted by a member of the Committee to schedule the date, time, and location of the interview.

When will I be notified of the status of my application? After the interviews are completed, the Selection Committee meets to evaluate the applications and select applicants who will be recommended to the Board of Directors as candidates for the next class. The Selection Committee completes their work in mid to late June. Following approval of the proposed class by the Board, the Program Administrator will contact each applicant to inform them of their status.

If I am not accepted into the program, can I reapply? We strongly encourage applicants who don’t get into the program on their first try to reapply. One of the criteria that the board and the selection committee look for is a diverse class that represents the entire county. A candidate may be a very qualified individual, but there may be others in the class with similar characteristics that would create an imbalance for that particular class year. Many a successful graduate had to reapply to gain admission into the program.

What is the tuition for the program? The tuition is $1,500 for the Leadership Rockland program. Accepted participants are notified in July prior to the start of the program year and the applicant (or his/her employer) must pay full tuition (less the $25 application fee) by September 1 of the program year.

Are scholarships available? Partial scholarships may be available for qualified applicants based on need. You may indicate in your application if you wish to be considered for a scholarship.

Are there any tuition discounts? Tuition discounts are available. If we receive a completed application package by March 1st, program tuition will be $1,300. If we receive your completed application package after March 1st but by April 1st, program tuition will be $1,400. After April 1st, there will be no tuition discounts available. Please refer to the sections above to ensure all materials that comprise a completed package have been submitted.

If accepted, what is the attendance policy? Leadership Rockland believes attendance and engagement are integral to the overall value of the program. For the success of the Leadership Rockland experience for individual participants and the class as a whole, participants must commit to full-day attendance at all sessions which are scheduled monthly from September to June. If you and your employer are unable to make this commitment it is not in your best interest to apply. Attendance is monitored and absenteeism may result in the individual losing the right to graduate from the program. Once the actual class is selected each participant will be given an attendance policy form with actual dates. That form will require your signature and that of your employer if you are not self-employed. Of course, issues do arise on any given day. Direct all inquiries to the Program Administrator as soon as you become aware of the problem. Accommodations, where necessary and possible, will likely be made.