About
The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is an interdisciplinary leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in nonprofit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County.
Launched in 2014 in partnership with the Harris School of Public Policy and University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement, CLA is CEG’s flagship leadership training initiative. CLA is known across the City of Chicago and Cook County to be an enriching leadership program for civic workers looking to gain leadership skills and reform institutions to work best for the people they serve.
The application for the 2026 CLA cohort is open now at bit.ly/apply-CLA-2026. All application materials are due Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5pm CT.
To learn more about the program, RSVP for an upcoming virtual information session where CLA staff and alumni will present and answer questions about the program. All information sessions take place via Zoom from 12-1pm CT on their date.
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
Please email civicleadershipacademy@uchicago.edu with any questions.
Civic Leadership Academy fellows—an annual cohort of 30 high-potential leaders of nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve residents and communities across the city of Chicago—engage in a six-month interdisciplinary leadership development curriculum that includes lectures, case studies, workshops, conversations with civic leaders throughout Chicago, as well as a week-long global practicum abroad.
How will the Civic Leadership Academy benefit you?
Faculty from across the University of Chicago and other institutions, representing a variety of disciplines, teach in the program alongside civic practitioners.