Application for the
Leadership Long Beach
Institute Class of 2026

We are currently accepting applications for the Leadership Long Beach Institute Class of 2026 - the 36th Class of community leaders.

Below are the dates for the upcoming program - beginning in September 2025. A full commitment of participation is expected, including required attendance at the Orientation (9/18/25), the Pre-Retreat class (10/16/25), Retreat (11/20/25 - 11/22/25), MLK Parade (1/17/26), MLK Day of Service (1/19/26), and Group Project Planning (1/29/26).

September 18, 2025: Orientation *

October 16, 2025: Pre-retreat Day *

November 6, 2025: Public Safety Day

November 20-22, 2025: Leadership Retreat at Loch Leven *

December 11, 2025: Nonprofit Day

January 17, 2026: MLK Day Parade *

January 19, 2026: MLK Day of Service *

January 29, 2026: Class Project Deliberation *

February 5, 2026: City Government Day

March 5, 2026: Business Day

April 2, 2026: Arts and Culture Day

May 7, 2026: Education Day

June 4, 2026: Last Day and Graduation Reception

* A REQUIRED session necessary for program participation and completion.

The following topics will be covered throughout the classes: City Government, Non-profits & Society's Resources, Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy, Healthcare & Human Services, Law & Public Safety, Education, Business & Social Responsibility, and Environment & Sustainability.

Activity/Topics subject to change due to the availability of presenters, facilities and resources.

Participants must agree to the following: *

• A REQUIRED Orientation Session will be held on 9/18/25, followed by an evening reception.
• A REQUIRED PRE-RETREAT class will be held on 10/16/25.
• A REQUIRED Class Retreat will be held on 11/20/25 - 11/22/25 at Loch Leven.
• MLK Parade participation REQUIRED on 1/17/26.
• A REQUIRED MLK Day of Service will be held on 1/19/26.
• A REQUIRED Group Project Planning Session will be held on 1/29/26.
• Ten full-day classes are held one Thursday of each month from September through June, typically from 8:00 am to 5:00pm. Absences from class are discouraged, and all participants are required to comply with absentee policy.
• Group Projects are an important element of the program. A significant amount of time outside regular monthly session time is required during the program to strategize, organize and complete these community benefit activities.
• Tuition - $4,250. This amount represents only a portion of the costs required to produce the program. Applicants are responsible for the tuition whether an employer or organization expressed intent to cover the expense.
• Accepted candidates may also be eligible for scholarships to offset a portion of their tuition. The discounts are typically designated for candidates from nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals expressing financial need. Scholarship awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Tuition payment agreements will be sent to all applicants upon acceptance to the program.

Qualified applicants will be scheduled for interviews with the Leadership Long Beach Selection Committee comprised of alumni volunteers. Interviews will be conducted from June through July.

Please note that the application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and progress cannot be saved. If you would like to view a PDF of the questions to prepare prior to starting the application, click here: Leadership Long Beach Institute Application PDF.

Please select "Next" to proceed to the application once you are ready.