Signature Program
The Leadership Houston Signature Program is a ten-month immersive journey through Houston's history, economy, and development. Through two overnight retreats and eight monthly class days, the program offers deep exposure to Houston's key industries, including energy, healthcare, education, and government.
Hands-On Learning Experience
The Signature Program provides participants, with an in-depth understanding of major community issues in Houston and a unique opportunity to discover and develop the capacity to be an extraordinary transformational leader in their current organization and the community at large for years to come.
Learning Sessions
The Signature Program begins in August with an Orientation where Fellows meet other class members and learn about upcoming activities. In September, participants attend an Opening Retreat, an overnight event where they explore their personal leadership styles, begin developing a civic class project, and get to know each other. Class participants, or Fellows, gather for eight learning sessions from October through May on the first Friday of each month.
Classes are held at various locations around the Houston area, with each learning session focusing on a specific city sector. Sessions are led by experts in each field, who discuss current issues and explain how Fellows can get involved or leverage their expertise to effect positive change. The ten-month program culminates in a Closing Retreat, an overnight event where Fellows consolidate all the information learned and develop their personal civic engagement plans.
Nominate an Exceptional Candidate
An ideal candidate for the Signature Program has:
More than 10 years of professional experience
Proven leadership skills
Current community involvement
A sincere commitment, motivation, and interest in the Signature Program experience
Is not running for office at the time of application
Class XLV Schedule (2026-2027)
Orientation
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Opening Retreat
Friday, Saturday, September 18-19, 2026 - *Attendance is mandatory.
Learning Sessions
This Is Houston! - Friday, October 2, 2026
Business, Housing, and Community Development - Friday, November 6, 2026
Local Government and Politics - Friday, December 4, 2026
Houston’s Diversity - Friday, January 8, 2027
Houston's Economic Engine! - Friday, February 5, 2027
Education for the Future - Friday, March 5, 2027
Health and Wellness - Friday, April 2, 2027
The Creative Economy - Friday, May 7, 2027
Closing Retreat - Friday and Saturday, June 4-5, 2027
*Learning Sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m.
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:
1. Complete and submit the online application.
2. Submit two online reference forms.
3. Schedule and participate in a 30-minute virtual interview once the application and references are submitted.
Interview Dates:
February 26, 27 2026
April 22, 23, 24 2026
May 6,8,13, 14, 15 2026
Tuition
$6,000.00
Partial scholarships available
Recruitment and Application Timeline
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Attend Information Session
November / February
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Submit Application and References
Early Fall
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Schedule 30 Minute Virtual Interview
December / May
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Check Application Status
May/ Early June
Community Impact Through Civic Engagement
Class XLIV Project
FAQS
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The Signature Program is a ten-month journey designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of Houston's economy, history, and growth plans. The program includes two overnight retreats and monthly class days focused on key industries such as energy, healthcare, education, and government.
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An ideal candidate has 10+ years of professional experience, proven leadership skills, current community involvement, and a sincere commitment to the program. Candidates should not be running for office at the time of their application.
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The application process starts in early fall when the application window opens. You will need to submit an online application and two references, which can also be found on the website. After both items are submitted, Leadership Houston will schedule a 30-minute virtual interview with you, which is the final step.
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The program begins with an orientation in August, followed by an overnight Opening Retreat in September. From October to May, Fellows meet on the first Friday of each month for learning sessions focused on different sectors of Houston. Learning sessions are from 7:30 to 5:00 p.m. The program concludes with an overnight Closing Retreat.
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Learning sessions are held at various venues in and around the Houston area. Each session is conducted by experts in their respective fields and focuses on specific sectors of the city.
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Tuition for the program is $6,000. Leadership Houston offers monthly payment plan options and a limited number of partial scholarships. Scholarships are available to employees of small nonprofit organizations and government employees based on demonstrated need.
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Yes, partial scholarships are available for employees of small nonprofit organizations and government employees. These scholarships are granted based on demonstrated need and availability of financial resources.
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If your company or organization will be sponsoring your tuition, Leadership Houston can provide the necessary information to facilitate the sponsorship process.
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No, having a reference or nomination from a Leadership Houston alum is strongly encouraged, but it is not mandatory if you decide to apply
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Yes, if you have worked closely with the alum who nominated you, that person can also serve as one of your references.