Ten Months.
Every Door
In The Valley.
One full day per month. Nine immersive sessions inside the institutions, agencies, and organizations that shape life in the San Ramon Valley. Board members chair every session and are in the room with you all day.
This Is Not Professional Development. This Is Access.
Most programs teach you leadership theory. This one puts you in the room — with the county supervisor, the fire chief, the school superintendent, the hospital administrator — for an entire day. Not a panel. Not a Q&A. A full working session where you're a participant, not an audience.
The selectivity is intentional. At ~25 people per cohort, the relationships you form are real. And with 831 graduates since 1992, the network you're entering has thirty-three years of depth.
One cohort runs per year. There are no rolling admissions. If you're accepted, you commit to all nine sessions — August through May.
Nine Days. Every Room In The Valley.
Foundations of Leadership
CliftonStrengths assessment, personal leadership style, setting the cohort foundation.
Deep dive into Session 01Leadership Retreat
Amador Rancho Community Center. Outdoor setting, facilitated team building, cohort bonding.
Deep dive into Session 02Government Day
Mock campaign centrepiece. Local government deep dive — stop being a spectator.
Deep dive into Session 03Healthy Community
Fieldwork with nonprofits, public safety, senior services, and healthcare orgs.
Deep dive into Session 04Community Economics
Tri-Valley economy, land use, Bishop Ranch context, public finance.
Deep dive into Session 05Education
Classroom observations, principal shadowing, SRVUSD leadership.
Deep dive into Session 06Communications Day
Key message development, public speaking, digital channels.
Deep dive into Session 07Cultural Arts
The Front Row Theater, San Ramon. Facilitated by Ryan Bernier.
Deep dive into Session 08Graduation
Debrief, class project reveal, ceremony with alumni back to 1992. 5:00–6:30pm.
Deep dive into Session 09Investing in Your Community Starts Here.
Tuition is kept accessible to reflect the program's commitment to sector diversity. Financial assistance is available — no qualified candidate should be excluded for cost.
Sponsorships from local employers and organizations help reduce the cost for individual participants. Employers are encouraged to invest in their team members' applications.
Invoiced to your organization or employer. Many businesses and government agencies cover this as professional development.
Sponsorship may be available during the application process. If you need assistance, you'll have the opportunity to indicate that on the application - no separate request needed.
Start Your ApplicationApplications For Class of 2027 Are Open.
Class size is limited. One cohort per year. Applications close end of May 2026.