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Application Information

Leadership Birmingham is structured around the belief that knowledge is a critical element and prime motivator of leadership.

Leadership Birmingham requires each class member to attend a minimum of 80% of program days and small group sessions, and mandatory attendance for retreats.

Each monthly program day (usually on the second Thursday of the month) focuses on a critical community issue, and class members have dialogue with issue experts and civic and corporate leaders in locations throughout the city. Program days and small group gatherings encourage class members to explore the most pressing issues facing Birmingham and work together for solutions.

Class members who successfully graduate join the Leadership Birmingham Members Association made up of over 1,600 graduates from our first Class of 1983 to our current Class of 2025. The Members Association hosts multiple opportunities each year for continuing education and networking.

Qualifications

The ideal Leadership Birmingham candidate:

  • Demonstrates a commitment to community through past and present activities
  • Demonstrates leadership ability in his/her chosen field through significant achievement
  • Possesses the potential for exercising substantial leadership in the future
  • Exhibits a personal commitment to help shape the future of the Birmingham region

Nominations & Applications

Leadership Birmingham nominations are accepted year-round from Leadership Birmingham graduates and self-nominees through our online form. Nominees submitted by February 3rd, 2025 will be invited to apply for the program year that begins in September. Since the program is limited in size to approximately 50 individuals, many qualified applicants are deferred. Those not accepted in a given year have the opportunity for consideration in the subsequent year.

All applications are carefully reviewed by a group of Leadership Birmingham alumni that is charged with the difficult task of selecting a representative cross-section of leaders.

Leadership Birmingham does not discriminate because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

 

Looking for Youth Leadership Birmingham?

You can learn more about YLB, Apply, or Nominate in our Youth Leadership Birmingham portal.

YLB

Nominations Deadline: Year Round

Nominations are accepted year round but must be submitted by February 3, 2025 for the 2025-2026 program year.

Application Deadline: April 4, 2025

Applications and application update forms are due on April 4, 2025 for the 2025-2026 class that begins in September 2025. All nominees will be notified of selection decisions in late May.

Tuition: $2,500

Financial assistance is available to those in need through partial scholarships from the Ann D. Florie Scholarship Fund.

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2025-2026 Calendar

Youth Leadership Birmingham

Youth Leadership Birmingham is for the few who are dedicated to creating meaningful change in their community and the city we call home. It’s a call to stand out. To be heard. To lead others.

YLB is committed to empowering those who want more for themselves and the people around them.

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