The Core Program is not a starting point for leadership development, but rather a process for leaders to refine and enhance their commitment to shaping Rhode Island’s future. Graduates join Leadership Rhode Island’s network of 3,200+ alumni, and gain access to 700,000+ leaders through a National Leadership Network.

There is only one way to be part of this – experience it yourself.

The 2027 Core Program applications are now open. 

You might consider applying for our Core Program if the following qualities describe you:

• Passion for the people and the future of our state
• Personal commitment to shaping Rhode Island’s future
• Commitment to community through past and present activities
• Demonstrated leadership within your organization and/or community
• Desire to engage, connect with, and learn from cross-sector leaders with different perspectives

The Core Program provides a return on investment for individuals, their organizations, and the community at large.

Individuals

• Develop leadership competencies that drive performance (visioning, collaboration, strategic thinking, appreciation for diversity and inclusiveness, emotional intelligence and coalition building)
• Understand personal strengths and leadership style 
• Access mentorship from peer leaders with diverse life experiences 

Organizations

• Expand your professional and business network across sectors and industries
• Forge strategic alliances and innovative partnerships 
• Acquire resources that accelerate solutions to organizational and business challenges 

Community 

• Discover civic assets, issues and stakeholders
• Advance personal purpose and pathways towards meaningful contributions 
• Facilitate dialogue addressing community issues and drive change

Each year, Leadership Rhode Island selects a balanced group of established and emerging leaders to participate in an experiential community leadership program framed around statewide issues. Class members engage in shared experiences, events, socials, community engaged projects, strengths-based coaching, and individual learning opportunities. The program consists of an overnight retreat, ten monthly daylong sessions, and a small-group project. 

Session Day curriculum is developed by a program committee of selected LRI alumni, with a focus on experiential learning approach that includes virtual and in person experiences, events, socials, community engaged projects, strengths-based coaching, and individual learning opportunities.

Participants are selected based on information provided on the online application, two letters of reference, and a personal interview. Please allow ample time to prepare the application and to obtain required materials to meet the application deadline of September 27, 2026.

Upon acceptance into Leadership Rhode Island, you will have several options to pay the tuition of $6,900,  covering all program costs including meals, materials, and resources associated with the retreat and session days.

A tuition assistance fund is available to those who demonstrate financial need. Requests for tuition assistance must be submitted by the application deadline. Contact the Leadership Development at leadershipdevelopment@leadershipri.org for tuition assistance forms. Requests for assistance will be kept confidential and considered independently from admission.

Leadership Rhode Island’s Selection Committee is made up of LRI alumni who select a cohort of approximately 65-75 leaders who demonstrate a commitment to Rhode Island and are driven to positively transform the state. The committee seeks to create a dynamic, and well-balanced class, with an emphasis on broad representation of sectors, industries, occupations, generations, geographic residence, lived experience and community interests.

Overnight Retreat (01/08 8:00am – 01/09 5:00pm)
Thursday, January 14 & Friday, January 15 

Monthly Session Days (~8:00am – 5:00pm)
Wednesday, January 27
Wednesday, February 24
Wednesday, March 24
Friday, April 30
Wednesday, May 26
Wednesday, June 23
Wednesday, July 28
Wednesday, August 11 (Make Up)*
Wednesday, August 25
Wednesday, September 29
Wednesday, October 20 (Commencement)