Leadership Houston’s Signature Program is a ten-month journey through Houston's economy, history, and growth plans. Through two overnight retreats and a monthly class day, the program provides exposure to Houston's key industries, including energy, healthcare, education, and government.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

The Signature Program provides participants (Fellows) with deep insight into Houston’s major community issues and a unique opportunity to discover and develop the capacity to be an extraordinary, transformational leader in one’s current organization and in the larger community for years to come.

Signature Program Learning Sessions

The Signature Program begins in August with an orientation where Fellows meet other class members and learn about upcoming activities. In September, class participants take part in an overnight Opening Retreat, where they study their own personal leadership styles, start to develop a class civic project, and become acquainted with each other. Fellows then meet for eight learning sessions on the first Friday of each month from October to May.

Classes are held at a wide variety of venues in and around the Houston area as each Learning Session is focused on a specific sector of the city. Learning Sessions are conducted by experts in each field who discuss current topics and explain how Fellows can get involved or use their expertise to effect a positive change. At the end of the ten months, the class culminates at an overnight Closing Retreat, where Fellows take all of the information learned and develop their own plan for personal civic engagement.

Profile of an Ideal Candidate:

An ideal Signature Program candidate has:

• 10+ years of professional experience

• Proven leadership skills

• Current involvement in the community

• A sincere commitment, motivation, and interest in the experience of the Signature Program

• Is not running for office at the time of his/her application

The Application Process:

Leadership Houston accepts year-round applications, beginning in early fall for the next class year. If you are interested in applying for the Signature Program, we recommend that you review the class schedule for potential conflict with class dates and activities prior to submitting your application. Additionally, If your company/organization will be sponsoring your tuition, we are able to assist in providing necessary information to facilitate the process.

To apply for the Signature Program you must:

• Complete and submit the Signature Program on-line application
  *Applications close May 1, 2024

• Have two references complete and submit the on-line reference form

• Attend a 30-minute Zoom interview scheduled after the application and references are received

  You must have your application and two references submitted before scheduling an interview on one of the following days:

  • February 21 & 22, 2024

  • April 24, 25 & 26, 2024

  • May 9, 2024

Tuition:

Tuition for Leadership Houston's Signature Program is $5,000. Leadership Houston offers monthly payment plan options and a limited number of partial scholarships based on individual need and requests. Partial scholarships are limited to employees of small nonprofit organizations, and government employees and are granted based on (1) demonstrated need and (2) availability, or lack thereof, of additional financial resources.

Class XLIII Schedule Coming Soon(2024-2025)

Click here to see the Class XLII schedule.

Class Projects

The Leadership Houston class project is designed to provide class members with a real life leadership experience. Through the project, individuals will learn about their own leadership styles and skills as well as how to work with a team of individuals with multifaceted approaches. This project is about the experience of self-discovery, group bonding, and understanding the process of how to make an impact on a community. A strong class project is one that:

• Creates a learning experience for ALL class members

• Begins with a creative and innovative idea

• Generates strong community support and collaboration

• Positively impacts Houston

Click here to see previous class projects.

For Questions or Additional Information

For questions or additional information about the application process or class tuition please contact us.