Apply for Leadership Frederick County

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a professional residing or working in Frederick County, with a keen interest in exploring the industry, history, leadership, and future developments of their community. A strong passion for community leadership, a willingness to learn, ease in discussing current issues, and an open-minded approach are essential qualities. Participants in LFC represent a diverse array of careers, backgrounds, and personal histories, making this program an inclusive platform designed to expose leaders from various fields to new opportunities.

Support
With class days held on Fridays, applicants must have the full support of their employer or be self-employed. Additional commitments during the year include a Leaders on Loan group collaboration as well as a Leadership for Service individual project.

Numerous local businesses choose to enroll their staff in the LFC program, considering it a valuable investment that enhances both their organization and the individual participant.

The Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from February to April each year. Space in the class is limited so apply early! The full application process and a listing of time commitments for this year's program can be found in the application packet.

Leadership Frederick County Class of 2026 applications are now closed

Online Application
All candidates will complete an online application. This application is your opportunity to share your career and personal background, community service activities and unique qualifications.

Letter of Reference & Professional Headshot
A letter of reference is required as part of your application. This can be a supervisor, client, colleague or any non-relative who can speak to your leadership experience and character.

Employer Participation Agreement
If applicable, a completed employer participation agreement must also accompany your application. This document is included in the application packet.

Interview
Based on the completed application, candidates will be invited to interview with the selection committee. This committee is made of LFC alumni members. The interview is your chance to show off your capacity for leadership, community participation and unique personality.

2025 - 2026 Tuition

Frederick County Chamber Members: $3,200
Non-Members: $3,700

Employees of 501c3 nonprofits are eligible to request partial scholarship assistance of up to $500. Scholarships are awarded based on number of applicants. To request an application for assistance, email us at [email protected].

Tuition can be paid by the participant, participant’s employer or any combination. Tuition covers class members' meals, speaker fees, exhibit tickets, transportation and other expenses for all class days and the graduation dinner. Payment arrangements can be made, as long as full tuition is received before May of the graduating year.

Graduates of the 2025-2026 cohort may apply their LFC leadership experience towards elective or equivalent coursework at Hood College for an approved master’s or doctoral degree. Proof of participation will be required.

2025-2026 Class Day Commitments

Like any program, commitment to attendance is a vital factor in the success of each participant. Applicants are expected to secure the full support of their employer or be self-employed before making a commitment to the program.

Participants are advised to prioritize the program dates on their calendars and reserve any allowed absences for unforeseen circumstances such as illness or family/work emergencies. The redemption of coursework credits with Hood College is contingent upon an individual's attendance history.

If you anticipate missing more than two of the scheduled session dates, it is advisable to contemplate deferring your application to a future year. Attendance at the opening and closing retreats (September 11 & 12 and May 8) is mandatory.

August 28, 2025*
September 11 & 12, 2025
October 3, 2025
October 24, 2025
November 7, 2025*

November 21, 2025
December 5, 2025 (Backup 12/12)
January 9, 2026 (Backup 1/16)
February 6, 2026 (Backup 2/13)
February 20, 2026*

March 6, 2025 (Backup 3/13)
March 27, 2026
April 24, 2026
May 8, 2026
May 14, 2026*

*Unless noted with an asterisk, experiences run a full day in length from 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Approximately)

"If you are genuinely interested in the shape of the community...LFC is a master's class in community engagement." - Mayor Michael O'Connor, City of Frederick

how to apply