2025-26 Leadership Lake Tahoe Class Application

The Tahoe Chamber implements the signature Leadership Lake Tahoe program over the course of ten months to provide tools, knowledge, contacts, and opportunities by learning about key aspects in our community for personal and professional growth. Leadership Lake Tahoe established the following pillars to set a standard for the development of our curriculum, and they serve as foundational principles guiding our educational approach.

Promotion of Networking and Leadership Skills:

We create an atmosphere of professional connection and engagement at all levels within the broader community. As part of that, we encourage networking among the members of the LLT cohort, fostering meaningful relationships. Through these interactions, participants have the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills, enhancing their abilities to contribute effectively to our community.

Emphasis on Community and Inclusion:

We prioritize the importance of community and emphasize the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within our educational initiatives. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected within this community for all.

Recognition of Interconnectivity and Intersectionality:

We recognize and highlight the intricate interconnections between various systems and topics throughout our community. This understanding helps us provide a holistic perspective in our teaching methods and the activities we engage in.

Acknowledgment and Inclusion of the Bi-State Nature:

We acknowledge and emphasize the unique bi-state nature of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This recognition informs our approach to environmental studies, policy-making, and community engagement, considering the diverse perspectives and regulations of both states and the many jurisdictions involved in the governance of the region.
Applicant Information
What best describes the industry in which you presently work? (Choose only one)
Is your company/organization a member of the Tahoe Chamber of Commerce?
Please upload a copy of your current resume
Who will be paying for your Leadership Lake Tahoe Tuition? *
Are you interested in applying for a scholarship? * *
Tuition is $800 for Chamber Members; $1,000 for Non-Members
Because scholarship funds are limited, please check one of the following:
If you selected yes, please respond with why you will need support with a scholarship:
Leadership Lake Tahoe Commitment
All participants are required to attend a mandatory Meet & Greet on the evening of Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30–7:30 PM, followed by a mandatory Orientation on Wednesday, September 1. Regular class sessions will take place on the first Thursday of each month from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, running September through June. Attendance at each monthly session is mandatory (see below for the attendance policy and allowable absences). In addition to in-person sessions, participants are expected to complete Prework assignments for each class, which require approximately 1 hour of time outside of class and must be submitted in Google Classroom by the evening before the scheduled session. Participants must also attend one Community Service Project day, which may take place on a weekday or weekend. Four project options (each lasting 4–6 hours) will be shared during the first session, and each participant will select one to complete. Lastly, participants are expected to attend a public agency meeting during the program year and either make a public comment, take a stance, or provide feedback on an issue.
Class Expectations & Agreement
Participants in the program may be subject to removal for a number of reasons, including failure to attend more than two excused sessions or missing one session without an excuse. Additional grounds for removal include consistent disruptive behavior, disrespect toward instructors or classmates, or creating a hostile or unproductive learning environment. Conflicts with peers or instructors—particularly those involving ongoing personal issues that interfere with the learning experience—or an inability to work cooperatively in team settings may also lead to dismissal. Any form of harassment or bullying will not be tolerated. Participants are also expected to meet class expectations, and those who ignore feedback, refuse to improve, or fail to demonstrate initiative or accountability may face removal. In most cases, removal would follow prior warnings, discussions, or interventions, unless the issue is considered severe and warrants immediate action.
Commitment Acknowledgement
The most important factor in selection is identifying those individuals most apt to utilize their experience in this program for the long-term benefit of the South Lake Tahoe community. In reviewing applications, the Leadership Lake Tahoe Task Force looks for candidates who demonstrate the following characteristics: A genuine commitment, motivation and interest to serve our community Potential for advancement to top leadership positions within their own organization Willingness and ability to make the time commitment required by the program Ability to work cooperatively with their fellow class participants on a class project A desire to seek appointments to community boards, commissions or key volunteer leadership positions The Leadership Lake Tahoe Task Force will be seeking participation from varied ethnic, minority, age, gender and industry groups to represent a cross-section of the community. Participants should be active in business, and/or professional, educational, governmental, artistic, cultural, religious, service or community organizations. Retired individuals are also considered. Partial and/or full scholarships are available from the Tahoe Chamber to qualified applicants. Unfortunately, there may not be a sufficient number of scholarships available to be awarded to all candidates who request assistance Note: If you are accepted into the program and then resign prior to the orientation, a refund of tuition can be provided, less the costs of the orientation and retreat. If you resign after orientation, no refund will be provided.
In submitting this application, I commit: