The Selection Criteria
The Leadership Arkansas Selection Committee seeks to identify individuals most likely to use their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of the State of Arkansas. Class size is typically between 45 and 50. Due to space limitations, several highly qualified applicants may not be selected for Class XIX. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to apply in subsequent years.
The selection committee will seek diversity in areas including, but not limited to, profession, geography, education, state of career, ethnicity and gender. Leadership Arkansas does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.
Successful candidates will be well-rounded and actively involved in many facets of their communities, such as business, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations and volunteer service and will reflect the diversity of Arkansas’ communities. Prior leadership program participation is not required but may be noted on your application.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2024-2025 program year is $3,500 and is due upon notification of acceptance. Tuition must be paid in full by the orientation session for participants to remain in the program.
Tuition covers all meals and hospitality during each session. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs for each session. Leadership Arkansas will be responsible for overnight accommodations during the orientation retreat.
Tuition Assistance
Leadership Arkansas will make a limited number of partial, need-based scholarships available to candidates for whom tuition presents a barrier from participation. Please know that Leadership Arkansas may not be able to provide the full amount requested but will work with you to create an affordable payment plan. Contact Toni Lindsey at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com to request tuition assistance.
All inquiries are kept confidential and must be made before the application deadline. (To ensure your inquiry doesn’t get lost, please put LAR19 Tuition Assistance in the subject line.)
LEADERSHIP ARKANSAS APPLICATION PROCESS
General
Please keep in mind that although the selection committee evaluates individual applications, it is also responsible for building a class that represents Arkansas’ diversity — professionally and geographically, as well as in the areas of age, race, gender and ethnicity. Online submission is preferred. If you have an issue submitting it online, please contact the program director as soon as possible. All items must be received by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Toni Lindsey, Leadership Arkansas Program Director, at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com or (479) 409-4389.
Deadlines
Application period opens June 12.
Applicants must submit their online applications by August 5.
The selection committee will review applications in August and distribute notifications in late August.
Recommendation Letters
It is your responsibility to request recommendation letters from your references in advance. They should be sent directly to the Leadership Arkansas Program Director, via email, by August 5. Recommendation letters should be sent electronically via email to tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com. To ensure they do not get lost, please have your reference put LAR Class XIX and your name in the subject line.
Application Requirements
Please email a recent color photograph and your bio (suitable for use in publications and publicity) to tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com. In the subject line, please put your name and “Class XIX Applicant.” Your application is not considered complete until we have received the following:
- A completed online application
- A color photograph (sent via email – AI headshots are not permissible)
- A bio (sent via email)
- The $25 application fee
- Two letters of recommendation (sent via email)
If you have any questions, please contact Toni Lindsey, Leadership Arkansas Program Director, at tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com or (479) 409-4389.