The Green Communities Leadership Institute is a mid-level leadership program designed to build personal, organizational, and community leadership skills. Participants strengthen their ability to lead connected, resilient communities through hands-on learning, peer collaboration, and practical application.

GCLI is best suited for mid-career professionals, managers, and community leaders who already have foundational leadership experience and are ready to deepen their skills. This is not an introductory program, it’s designed for individuals ready to take on broader influence and responsibility.

The program focuses on three leadership dimensions: personal, organizational, and community, and emphasizes real-world practice. Participants learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, building a network of support and collaboration that extends beyond the program.

GCLI combines virtual and in-person sessions. Participants begin with online learning, engage in live virtual workshops, and then come together in person for immersive learning and collaboration.

Session 1: Web Based Self Directed Learning

January 11 - January 29 (2027)
(Commitment – Approximately 5 Hours Per Week)

Session 2: Webinar Weeks Live and Interactive

February 1, 8, & 15 (2027)
(Commitment – Approximately 6 Hours Total w/ Daily Commitment 60 - 90 minutes)

Session 3: In-Person Intensive, Knoxville, TN

March 1 - 4 (2027)
- Fly In: Sunday, February 28 - Institute
- Starts 5pm – 8:00pm
- In Person: March 1 - 3 - Institute Ends 8:00pm
- Fly Out: Thursday, March 4

The Institute has a history of being connected to universities such as Oregon State University and the University of Tennessee. Each year, the location shifts to create new connections and opportunities. For this cohort, the in-person session will take place at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, providing an immersive environment for learning, collaboration, and reflection.

Key themes include:

• Leading with vision and values

• Building effective teams and organizations

• Strengthening connected communities

• Innovation, resilience, and systems thinking

• Practical leadership tools for real challenges

Tuition for the full three-month cohort experience is $1,800. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging for the in-person educational session.

The Institute curriculum is built around a three-dimensional leadership model encompassing Individual, Organizational, and Society/Community domains, with outcomes focused on:

1. Expanding personal leadership influence and competencies

2. Increasing organizational leadership impact

3. Growing community leadership capacity

Tuition includes comprehensive educational content, interactive learning modules, webinars, and the in-person session. Participants also gain access to a professional network, long-term mentoring, and career advancement opportunities. Alumni consistently report significant growth in both leadership skills and career trajectory.

Applications are now closed and will reopen September - November, 2026, for 2027 cohort. The process includes a short written application, professional references, and a statement of interest.

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