2025 Application Hub | MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF & YOUR COMMUNITY

Applications open April 1, 2025 for the Leadership Austin Essential & Emerge Classes of 2026. 

Upcoming Info Sessions & FAQJoin the Interest List

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Upcoming Info Sessions 

April, 9, 2025 – Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701 | Register here
April 10, 2025- Emerge & Essential Accelerator-5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701  | Register here
April 17, 2025-  Emerge & Essential Info Session 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Virtual | Register here
April 23, 2025-  Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Amplify Credit Union – 2800 Esperanza Crossing, Building 2, Austin, Texas 78758 | Register here
April 30, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Pflugerville Public Library – 1008 Pfluger St. W, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 (Lantana Room)|Register here
May 8, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 8:00 am – 9:30 am, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701 | Register here
May 8, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Virtual| Register here

 

Don’t seen an info session near you? Join us online or invite us to your community or upcoming event. Email the Program Office at programs@leadershipaustin.org. 

Overview

As an established leader, Essential will help you understand the most pressing issues facing the Greater Austin area. If you identify as a rising leader, Emerge will help you hone your leadership skills. Both programs will help you build relationships with other committed community members.

Our classes are purposefully built to reflect the broad perspectives of Greater Austin, ensuring different experiences and points of view in every cohort. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, and create major impact for our region, we need your voice. Scholarships are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier for Essential or Emerge participation. While it takes considerable funding to provide this experience, our board of directors and staff remain committed to not letting cost be a barrier to access. 

We need your voice – apply today! Please email the Program Office at programs@leadershipaustin.org for questions! 

Choose Your Program

Essential
Our Essential program brings together cross-industry, established leaders that reflect the diversity of Greater Austin. You will discover your Essential classmates are just outside your current circles of influence, but will become your best collaborators, advisers, supporters and community resources. You will leave with a deeper understanding of civic leadership and the systemic issues of the day, and will have developed lasting relationships that result in innovative and collaborative problem solving for transformational impact in our region.

Essential Overview

Essential FAQs Learn more about the time commitment, tuition costs, scholarships and what makes a good application.

See Essential FAQs

Essential Sample Application We recommend that you download this worksheet to complete a draft application before submitting online. Once you finalize this worksheet, you can cut and paste into the online form for submission.

Download Essential Sample Application

2024-2025 Class See who is in the current Essential cohort!

Please note that the following qualifications must be met by September 1, 2025 

  • Applicant cannot be a filed candidate for public office.
  • Applicant must be willing to meet the time commitment necessary to complete the program. –

Visit the Essential page to read more

Emerge
The Emerge program invites up and coming leaders to dive deeper. You have a point of view, passion for the community and something to contribute to the conversation. The Emerge program will help you identify your leadership style, and enhance your leadership skills. You will leave with a deeper understanding of your path to community impact, and a host of new connections to help you make it happen.

Emerge Overview

Emerge FAQs Learn more about the time commitment, tuition costs, scholarships and what makes a good application.

See Emerge FAQs

Emerge Sample Application We recommend that you download this worksheet to complete a draft application before submitting online. Once you finalize this worksheet, you can cut and past into the online form for submission.

Download Emerge Sample Application

2024-2025 Class See who is in the current Emerge cohort!

Please note that the following qualifications must be met by September 1, 2025:

  • Applicant must be a resident in the Greater Austin area for at least one continuous year.
  • Applicant cannot be a filed candidate for public office.
  • Applicant must be willing to meet the time commitment necessary to complete the program.
Visit the Emerge page to read more

 

The Application Process

  • Applications open April 1 – June 12, 2025.
    • Bonus: If you apply by April 30, your application fee is waived!
  • Review program overviews and choose which program is right for you.
  • Attend one of the upcoming Info Sessions.
  • Prepare your application in a separate document. Be sure to save your final sample application.
  • View the Essential Scholarship Request Forms
  • View the Emerge Scholarship Request Forms
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Pay application fee ($40).
    • If applying for the same program, your application fee can be waived.
  • Complete your application online.
  • Candidates will be notified of their selection status by late August.
  • Mark your calendar for class dates.

 

 

Essential at a Glance

Time Commitment
The Essential program consists of one mandatory opening retreat (two days in September) and nine full-day sessions – running Oct through June. Read more
Tuition Cost
Tuition for the Essential program is $4,500. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Read more
Application Info
Essential applications are available April 1 and due June 12, 2025.
Did You Know?
Since 1979, more than 2,200 individuals have graduated from the Essential program.
More Essential FAQs
Learn more about applying to Essential on the Essential FAQ page.

Emerge at a Glance

Time Commitment
The Emerge program consists of one mandatory opening retreat (full day in September) and eight early evening sessions —running Oct through May. Read more
Tuition Cost
Tuition for the Emerge program is $2,000. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Read more
Application Info
Emerge applications are available April 1 and due by June 12, 2025.   
Did You Know?
Since 2007, more than 780 individuals have graduated from the Emerge program.
More Emerge FAQs
Learn more about applying to Emerge on the Emerge FAQ page here.

Essential Presenting Sponsor

 

April, 9, 2025 – Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701 | Register here
April 10, 2025- Emerge & Essential Accelerator-5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701  | Register here
April 17, 2025-  Emerge & Essential Info Session 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Virtual | Register here
April 23, 2025-  Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm, Amplify Credit Union – 2800 Esperanza Crossing, Building 2, Austin, Texas 78758 | Register here
April 30, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Pflugerville Public Library – 1008 Pfluger St. W, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 (Lantana Room)|Register here
May 8, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 8:00 am – 9:30 am, Leadership Austin –  1609 Shoal Creek Blvd. Suite 202, Austin, Texas 78701 | Register here
May 8, 2025- Emerge & Essential Info Session 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Virtual| Register here

 

Don’t seen an info session near you? Join us online or invite us to your community or upcoming event. Email the Program Office at programs@leadershipaustin.org. 

Overview

As an established leader, Essential will help you understand the most pressing issues facing the Greater Austin area. If you identify as a rising leader, Emerge will help you hone your leadership skills. Both programs will help you build relationships with other committed community members.

Our classes are purposefully built to reflect the broad perspectives of Greater Austin, ensuring different experiences and points of view in every cohort. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, and create major impact for our region, we need your voice. Scholarships are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier for Essential or Emerge participation. While it takes considerable funding to provide this experience, our board of directors and staff remain committed to not letting cost be a barrier to access. 

We need your voice – apply today! Please email the Program Office at programs@leadershipaustin.org for questions! 

Choose Your Program

Essential
Our Essential program brings together cross-industry, established leaders that reflect the diversity of Greater Austin. You will discover your Essential classmates are just outside your current circles of influence, but will become your best collaborators, advisers, supporters and community resources. You will leave with a deeper understanding of civic leadership and the systemic issues of the day, and will have developed lasting relationships that result in innovative and collaborative problem solving for transformational impact in our region.

Essential Overview

Essential FAQs Learn more about the time commitment, tuition costs, scholarships and what makes a good application.

See Essential FAQs

Essential Sample Application We recommend that you download this worksheet to complete a draft application before submitting online. Once you finalize this worksheet, you can cut and paste into the online form for submission.

Download Essential Sample Application

2024-2025 Class See who is in the current Essential cohort!

Please note that the following qualifications must be met by September 1, 2025 

  • Applicant cannot be a filed candidate for public office.
  • Applicant must be willing to meet the time commitment necessary to complete the program. –

Visit the Essential page to read more

Emerge
The Emerge program invites up and coming leaders to dive deeper. You have a point of view, passion for the community and something to contribute to the conversation. The Emerge program will help you identify your leadership style, and enhance your leadership skills. You will leave with a deeper understanding of your path to community impact, and a host of new connections to help you make it happen.

Emerge Overview

Emerge FAQs Learn more about the time commitment, tuition costs, scholarships and what makes a good application.

See Emerge FAQs

Emerge Sample Application We recommend that you download this worksheet to complete a draft application before submitting online. Once you finalize this worksheet, you can cut and past into the online form for submission.

Download Emerge Sample Application

2024-2025 Class See who is in the current Emerge cohort!

Please note that the following qualifications must be met by September 1, 2025:

  • Applicant must be a resident in the Greater Austin area for at least one continuous year.
  • Applicant cannot be a filed candidate for public office.
  • Applicant must be willing to meet the time commitment necessary to complete the program.
Visit the Emerge page to read more

 

The Application Process

  • Applications open April 1 – June 12, 2025.
    • Bonus: If you apply by April 30, your application fee is waived!
  • Review program overviews and choose which program is right for you.
  • Attend one of the upcoming Info Sessions.
  • Prepare your application in a separate document. Be sure to save your final sample application.
  • View the Essential Scholarship Request Forms
  • View the Emerge Scholarship Request Forms
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Pay application fee ($40).
    • If applying for the same program, your application fee can be waived.
  • Complete your application online.
  • Candidates will be notified of their selection status by late August.
  • Mark your calendar for class dates.

 

 

Essential at a Glance

Time Commitment
The Essential program consists of one mandatory opening retreat (two days in September) and nine full-day sessions – running Oct through June. Read more
Tuition Cost
Tuition for the Essential program is $4,500. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Read more
Application Info
Essential applications are available April 1 and due June 12, 2025.
Did You Know?
Since 1979, more than 2,200 individuals have graduated from the Essential program.
More Essential FAQs
Learn more about applying to Essential on the Essential FAQ page.

Emerge at a Glance

Time Commitment
The Emerge program consists of one mandatory opening retreat (full day in September) and eight early evening sessions —running Oct through May. Read more
Tuition Cost
Tuition for the Emerge program is $2,000. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Read more
Application Info
Emerge applications are available April 1 and due by June 12, 2025.   
Did You Know?
Since 2007, more than 780 individuals have graduated from the Emerge program.
More Emerge FAQs
Learn more about applying to Emerge on the Emerge FAQ page here.

Essential Presenting Sponsor