Applications are now open for the Columbia Chamber’s leadership program, Leadership Columbia, for the Class of 2025. Approximately 60 applicants will be selected as the 52nd class of Leadership Columbia.

Founded in 1972, Leadership Columbia is a skills-building program that aims to develop emerging community leaders while providing an educational experience with a strong emphasis on social and community awareness. Upon completion of the program, Leadership Columbia participants will walk away with the knowledge and skills to focus their talents in best service to the greater Midlands region.

“Through immersive experiences, Leadership Columbia exposes Midlands’ leaders to a variety of critical issues facing our community. It also brings together a diverse group of leaders from a variety of industries, to engage in professional development, community involvement, and networking. These leaders often go on to be more deeply involved in our community by participating on local boards and committees, and serving alongside our non-profits,” said Leadership Columbia Advisory Board Chair, Maggie Dittmar.

Throughout the 10-month program, Leadership Columbia participants must attend and complete a required two-day retreat, nine monthly day-long sessions, a collaborative class project, and a variety of enrichment activities all designed to educate them on critical issues facing the community while also providing opportunities for deeper involvement in and around the greater Columbia region. Participants will immerse themselves fully exploring topics such as arts and culture, politics and government, educational and economic development, health services, criminal justice and military affairs, and many more.

Apply to the Leadership Columbia class of 2025 here. For questions, please contact Mary Beth Sanderson at msanderson@columbiachamber.com.

About Leadership Columbia
Leadership Columbia is an educational program offered through the Columbia Chamber. The 10-month program provides emerging and existing leaders in the Midlands area with an opportunity to enhance their civic knowledge and network. For over 50 years, Leadership Columbia has helped participants better understand the local community, while building relationships with the region's current and future leaders. 

For more information on Leadership Columbia, visit www.columbiachamber.com or contact Mary Beth Sanderson at msanderson@columbiachamber.com.