2016 APPLICATION PACKET
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Leadership SouthCoast (LSC) is a ten-month community leadership program for emerging and
experienced leaders that live or work in Southeastern Massachusetts. The program consists of a
1.5 day kick-off orientation, eight monthly full-day program sessions that focus on topics such
as economic development, education, environmental sustainability, healthcare, legal & social
justice, and government, and a graduation ceremony. Two of the eight program sessions are
full-day leadership development workshops that provide participants an opportunity to
strengthen and hone the skills necessary to become successful in the civic arena. Class
members also work in small teams in coordination with local community-based organizations to
design, or assist with, projects that directly benefit the community.
Participants are challenged by a variety of SouthCoast issues presented by leaders and experts
in their fields. Numerous leaders in the region volunteer their time and expertise to the
program days. Each year there is an average of 40 speakers and panelists. The program
includes field trips, readings, discussion groups, simulations, and other developmental
activities. The purpose of the program is to transform highly motivated and diverse individuals
into a network of leaders who are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts and sustainers
of positive change for the quality of life on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA
The class of 2016 will be selected through a competitive process conducted by a Selection
Committee comprised of LSC Board Members and Alumni. Applicants will be notified of the
committees’ decision in late November 2015. LSC will select up to 40 individuals based on
criteria including: commitment to civic involvement in the SouthCoast, potential for community
leadership, and professional and personal achievement. Diversity is a key goal of LSC. Factors
used in determining the final make-up of the class include age, geographic location,
employment sector, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender.
TUITION
Tuition for each participant in LSC is $2,800. Sponsoring organizations or individuals are asked to
cover $2,650, with the remaining $150 covered by the participant to demonstrate a personal
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commitment to the program. The tuition covers all program costs and materials. A tuition
payment is required before the start of the program unless prearranged with LSC’s Executive
Director. The tuition payment must be made by check and is non-refundable.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
LSC has a limited amount of financial assistance available for those candidates who are accepted
into the program and demonstrate financial need that would prevent participation. Financial
assistance will not be granted for the entire tuition amount. Award amounts are based on the
number of requests received and the amount of funds available each year. Payment plans may
also be arranged. Those requesting assistance must complete the Tuition Assistance Request
Form (Attachment B) and return it with their Candidate Application (Attachment A).
Applications for assistance are confidential and have no bearing on the Selection Committee’s
decisions.
INCLUSIVENESS
LSC aims to recruit widely, without bias and from a variety of SouthCoast communities. Our goal
is to select a class reflecting the rich diversity of Southeastern, MA. All applications will be
handled in the strictest of confidence. LSC maintains a policy of non-discrimination and is fully
committed to these principles and opportunity for all. Applicants will not be discriminated
against because of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability,
veteran status, active military status, or any other protected characteristics as established by
law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Complete the Candidate Application (Attachment A) based on your experience and background,
and a Tuition Assistance Request Form if applicable (Attachment B). Application materials are
due by November 30, 2015 and can be submitted electronically to
jdowning@leadershipsouthcoast.org or by post to:
Leadership SouthCoast
P.O. Box 30001
Acushnet, MA 02743
Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Downing
Executive Director
774-202-6937
jdowning@leadershipsouthcoast.org
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ATTACHMENT A. CANDIDATE APPLICATION
I. Personal
Last Name
First Name
Preferred First Name
Home Address
City, State, ZIP
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Personal Email
How did you learn about Leadership SouthCoast:
II. Employment & Education
Employer
Position/Title
Employer’s Address
City, State, ZIP
Work Phone
Work Email
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Type of Organization:
Public
Private
Non-Profit
* A resume may be substituted for the next three questions.
Briefly describe your position and responsibilities:
How long have you been employed by current employer:
Briefly summarize your educational background, including degrees/certificates awarded, field
of study, professional institutes, training programs, special honors, awards, or skills.
III. Community Involvement
Describe the activities you have participated in that demonstrate your commitment to the
community? Items might include volunteer work, serving on a non-profit board or municipal
committee, or any other civic/community-related activities. Please do not simply list as bullet
points; go into depth about the types of activities you undertook and why they were
important to you.
IV. Diversity
LSC’s goal is to select a class reflecting the rich diversity of Southeastern, MA. In addition to
current/future commitment to civic involvement and professional/personal achievement,
factors used in determining the final make-up of the class include: age, geographic location,
employment sector, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender.
Briefly explain how diversity has played a role in your life and contributed to either the
community leader you are today or the community leader you wish to become.
V. Essay Questions
Please respond to the following questions, limiting responses to 250-300 words.
Why are you interested in participating in Leadership SouthCoast? What do you hope to gain,
and what qualities will you bring to the class?
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Describe an experience (personal or professional) in which you demonstrated your ability as a
leader. What was your greatest take-away or accomplishment from the experience?
Describe a situation where you have had to work with others from a different background
than yours. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone having
difficulty working with people from different backgrounds?
VI. REFERENCES
Please list two people who have knowledge of your qualifications. The Selection Committee
may contact these individuals when reviewing your application.
1.
Name, Title, Organization
Email
Phone
2.
Name, Title, Organization
Email
Phone
VII. FINANCIAL & TIME COMMITTMENT
Tuition is $2,800. Sponsoring organizations/individuals are asked to cover $2,650, with the
remaining $150 covered by the participant to demonstrate a personal commitment to the
program. For information on financial assistance, refer to the Tuition Assistance Form
(Attachment B). Please indicate how you plan to cover your tuition:
Sponsoring Organization/Individual Tuition Portion: $
Applicant Tuition Portion: $
Financial Assistance Request: $
(attach a completed Tuition Assistance Form)
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Full participation by each class member is critical. Requirements for graduation include:
 Program Orientation & Welcome Dinner – January 14 (attendance required), 4pm-8pm
 Kick-off Retreat – January 15 (attendance required), 8am-5pm
 Monthly Sessions – February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 16, July 14, August 18,
September 15, 8:00am-4:00pm (two days of excused absence allowed)
 Graduation – October 13 (attendance required), 11am-2:00pm
While emergencies do arise, participants missing more than two sessions, for any reason, may
be asked to withdraw from the program. It is vital that you and your sponsor (employer or
other) understand and honor these commitments. If you are unable to commit to this schedule,
please do not apply at this time.
Applicant’s Commitment:
I, as an applicant, understand and honor these commitments. I certify that all information
provided here is accurate. If selected, I am prepared to be an active participant, attending all
sessions for the full day and devoting the time and resources required to complete the LSC
program. I consent to allowing LSC to contact the references listed in this application and
verifying any information contained herein.
I understand and agree to pay LSC the amount of $
towards my LSC tuition.
no later than December 31, 2015
I understand and agree that said tuition payment is non-refundable and that my payment
obligation is binding and effective upon acceptance into LSC.
Applicant Signature
Date
Sponsor’s Commitment:
I, as an individual sponsor or representative of a sponsoring organization, understand and honor
these commitments. I understand and agree to pay LSC the amount of $
, no later than
December 31, 2015 towards the applicant’s program tuition. I also understand and agree that
said tuition payment is non-refundable and that as a sponsor, my payment obligation is binding
and effective upon the applicant’s acceptance into LSC. I agree to be bound by this agreement in
consideration of LSC’s acceptance of the applicant into the LSC program and the applicant’s
participation in the same.
Sponsor’s Signature
Date
{Please Print} Sponsor’s Name, Organization & Title (if applicable)
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Employer’s Commitment (please complete if your employer is not your sponsor)
I understand LSC’s time commitment and fully support this individual’s participation in the
program. I agree to the time commitment required for the program.
Employer’s Signature
Date
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