Leadership Orange County Signature Program
Our Mission
To bring together diverse leaders to address community needs, strength leadership skills and empower them to make a difference in the community
About Us
Leadership Orange County is Managed by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Each year Leadership Orange selects a diverse group of outstanding adults who either live or work in Orange County to take part in an educational leadership program. Over an 8- month period, class participants receive training on topics important to the residents and businesses of Orange County, including: Agriculture, Industry and Economic Development, Health Care, Education, Law and Justice, Government. This training provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the many challenges and opportunities within Orange County and thus enables them to better serve their communities going forward.
Beginning in October, classes meet the first Wednesday of every month and graduate in May. The full-day program includes educational presentations, role playing, and round table discussion. All topics presented by leaders of Orange County. Within their first few months in the program, students are challenged with putting their knowledge to work through fundraising, community service, class projects and much more – all with the goal of improving the quality of life in Orange County.
The Leadership Orange Signature Program has a one-time tuition fee of $175 for Chamber members and $195 for non-Chamber members. The fee includes all course materials and session lunches. Selection for the program is competitive and each applicant is evaluated based on written application.
Enroll
Signature Leadership Orange: The Program and Application Process
The Signature Leadership Orange program brings outstanding adults, with a variety of backgrounds from across Orange County together to take part in an educational leadership program.
Leadership Orange seeks individuals who:
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Are at least 18 years of age and live and/or work in Orange County.
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Are committed, motivated, and eager to serve in volunteer, appointed or elected leadership roles in Orange County.
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Can commit the time and energy to complete the program and continue to serve the community.
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Have demonstrated community or career achievement appropriate to age and experience.
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Represent a cross- section of business, professions, organizations, government, education, socio-economic, ethnic backgrounds, age, and geographic areas throughout Orange County.
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Are committed to staying actively involved in the county
Attendance
In addition, the opening and orientation, the time commitment includes 8 sessions as well as full participation in a group project completed outside of class. Attendance at all sessions is expected and participants who miss two sessions will need to withdraw from the program without graduating.
Planned 2020-2021 Leadership Class Schedule
Orientation and Leadership Challenge Course
October 2020
Introduction and Ice Breaker
Low Ropes Course
Lunch
Local wine presentation and socializing
Class project brainstorming
Agricultural Day
November 2020
Tour of winery
Tour of Dairy Farm
Hemp Farm
Horses
Brewery
Ag Commissioner
Industry and Economic Development
December 2020
Orange County Economic Development
Real Estate
Tour manufacturing company
Tour distribution company
Tourism
Planning and zoning
Health Care
January 2021
Orange County EMS
Coroner’s Office
Hospital
Dogwood
Virginia Legislative Day
February 2021
Attend Senate Committee Meeting
Attend House Committee Meeting
Lunch at the Capital Building
Governor’s Mansion Tour
Law and Justice Day
March 2021
Detention Center Tour
Police Chief/Dog Sniffer
Emergency Management
Commonwealth Attorney
Education Day
April 2021
Germanna Community College
Superintendent Orange County Schools
Alternative to Public Education
Germanna Center for Advanced Technology
Charter Schools
Home Schooling
Graduation
May 2021
Ready to apply?
Once you complete and submit your application, the selection committee will meet and select the new class. Candidates will be notified thereafter of their acceptance Applications must be submitted no later than September 1 of each year.
Download the application HERE
