Apply now!
We are now accepting applications for the 2023 Civic Leadership Academy. Apply now, or nominate a candidate today!
The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is designed for high-performing nonprofit and government leaders who seek rigorous leadership development.
The Civic Leadership Academy meets every other Friday from January to June. Facilitated by distinguished UChicago faculty, the six-month program delves into foundations of leadership and institutional reform, and pushes fellows to think critically about practical application through a one-week global practicum and a monthly civic practitioner leadership series.
Successful CLA fellows are intellectually curious, reflective, ambitious and innovative, collaborative, and committed to positive change. Job titles for nonprofit candidates could include chief executive officer, chief operating officer, executive director, deputy director, senior program manager, and regional director. Job titles for government candidates could include deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner, director, budget director, and chief of staff.
Candidates should:
Be a full-time employee of a Chicago nonprofit organization, the City of Chicago, Cook County, or a local government agency
Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and high performance
Have a minimum of five years of work experience in the civic sector
Be nominated by a supervisor and provide one additional letter of recommendation
To apply:
Submit one letter of recommendation
Provide a nomination from your supervisor
Information Sessions
We invite you to learn more about the program at one of our upcoming virtual informational events, where CLA staff and alumni will present and answer your questions about this innovative program. Please find the list of dates for all information sessions below and register here.
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 12-1pm CT
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 12-1pm CT