Applying to LSP's Class of 2025: What You Need to Know
Applying to the Leadership St. Pete (LSP) Class of 2025 is a unique opportunity to join a select group of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a rising star in your field, this program offers valuable experiences that will elevate your leadership skills and expand your network.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to submit a strong application, from insider tips, the selection process, tuition costs, key program dates, and more.
What is Leadership St. Pete?
As one of the oldest leadership programs of its kind, LSP seeks to nurture a community brimming with informed, passionate leaders. Each year, a diverse array of individuals spanning various industries and career stages embark on an immersive six-month journey.
Our program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging issues and opportunities facing our region while equipping participants with the knowledge, resources, and networks to shape our city's future. Class members build lasting relationships throughout the program’s three elements: leadership training, educational seminars, and a civic-engagement project.
What Can You Expect from LSP?
LSP challenges class members to examine opportunities and issues in our community, state, and nation through interactive retreats, educational seminars, and team-building activities. Each class member, in collaboration with Planning Committee mentors, is responsible for moderating a seminar. Additionally, class members collaborate on a community service project that benefits a nonprofit organization and culminates in at least one full day of hands-on work.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
You must do business or live in the St. Petersburg area and be at least 22 years of age by the start of the program. Candidates must also have the full support of the organization they represent.
Attend an Info Session
If you are interested in applying for the LSP Class of 2025, we encourage you to attend one of the upcoming information sessions, which cover the program overview, requirements, application process, and more. Then, join us on Sept. 18 for a casual recruitment social to meet LSP alumni and planning committee members to learn about their LSP experiences.
- September 18 – Recruitment Social (Green Bench – 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
Talk to Your Employer About the Time Commitment
LSP requires a significant time commitment from participants. The program includes several seminars and activities, as well as additional planning meetings. Applicants must have the support and commitment from their organization to apply and an indication of supervisor support is required as part of the application process.
Get Your Professional Wardrobe Ready
Most seminars require business professional attire. In some cases, business casual is allowed. Jeans and sneakers are generally not acceptable unless indicated. Workout attire, leggings, shorts, and flip flops are not appropriate.
Where do I apply for the Class of 2025?
Submit your application here. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024. A nonrefundable application fee of $50 must be paid online when submitting the application.
When completing the application, consider the following:
- Familiarize yourself with the application (see PDF sample).
- Carefully read the application and complete all sections.
- Answer what the question is asking – be specific.
- Proofread, and proofread again.
- Ask someone you trust to review your application and provide feedback.
- Draft responses to the application questions in a Word document because you won’t have the ability to save the application prior to submission.
- Mentoring opportunities are available. If you are interested in being paired with an application mentor, email us at lsp.pc.member@gmail.com.
What is the Selection Process?
After all applications are received, selection begins with a review of candidates' anonymous written applications. All personally identifiable information is removed prior to the LSP Selection Committee review and scoring of applications.
LSP is a highly competitive program with only the top 50 applicants selected for interviews. Interviews with the Selection Committee will be held at one of the following sessions:
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. (allow 45 minutes)
- Friday, November 1, 2024, from 11:30 - 6:00 p.m. (allow 45 minutes)
A class of approximately 35-40 individuals will be selected from those interviewed. Many qualified applicants will not be chosen for the class due to capacity limitations and will be encouraged to apply again next year.
Understand Tuition and Ancillary Expenses
The tuition is $3,000 for Chamber members and $3,500 for non-members. Tuition must be paid in full by Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
Tuition covers LSP-sponsored programming, including lodging and meals for seminars and retreats. Class members can expect other ancillary expenses throughout the course of their LSP experience, including expenses for class-initiated outings, class project fundraising efforts, private room requests, etc.
Scholarships
Scholarship funds may be available for those seeking financial assistance. Please complete the Scholarship section of the application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. All scholarship application information is kept confidential and reviewed separately from your application.
No full or partial refunds are offered.
Thank you for your interest in LSP! If you have questions about the application process, please email lsp.pc.member@gmail.com. For more information about Leadership St. Pete and to apply, visit leadershipstpete.com.