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LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
PROGRAM OVERVIEW

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Leadership Institute is YNPN Chicago’s flagship program for emerging leaders in the nonprofit sector. Promising nonprofit leaders from the Chicago area will unite to stimulate mutual growth, foster collaboration, and cultivate enduring relationships that extend well beyond the program's duration. Participants will gain invaluable access to seasoned nonprofit leaders who will serve as mentors and guest speakers. Upon completing the Leadership Institute, graduates will depart with the essential skills, heightened self-awareness, and a robust network of connections that will empower them to lead the nonprofit sector into the future.

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COURSE METHODOLOGY

The Leadership Institute is a hybrid 7-month cohort program that runs from January through July and finishes with a capstone project.

Features of the program include:

  • Monthly three-hour sessions with guided peer learning and engaging activities

  • Guest presentations from local nonprofit leaders

  • Monthly one-on-one meetings with a mentor

  • Free course materials, including textbooks and online access to management and leadership tools

  • Capstone presentation

  • ​Two-year membership to YNPN Chicago

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Students will collaboratively create expectations for how we want to show up in Leadership Institute spaces on the first day of class. In addition to those community agreements, students will be expected to: 

  1. Attend all monthly sessions. We understand work commitments and emergencies arise; however, it’s to your advantage to attend as many of the sessions as possible. We emphasize peer learning and sharing in this program, when you do not attend a session, it also impacts the rest of the cohort. Attendance at the first and final sessions is mandatory. Absences may impact certificate eligibility.

  2. Uphold the confidential nature of the group. A key component of the program is being able to honestly share experiences and ask meaningful questions. To ensure that all sessions are a safe environment, please do not share details of the group discussions with people outside of the Leadership Institute.

  3. Meet with your mentor once per month. We expect you as the mentee to initiate contact to set up the meeting and be prepared with topics or questions that will further your learning with your mentor.

  4. Make the most of this experience by really engaging in the program. Students are expected to complete assignments, actively participate in discussions, and make time to reflect on themselves and the things they’ve learned through writing in their journals. Completion of the Capstone Project is required for certificate eligibility.

January (in person)

Welcome and orientation, Personal Mission, Meet Your Mentor

April (virtual)

Feedback and Staff Development

 

July (in person)

Capstone presentations

February (virtual)

Personal Leadership Styles

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May (TBD)

Building Organizational Culture and Conflict Resolution

March (TBD)

Hiring and Retention

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June (virtual)

Senior Leadership Career Pathways

Additional questions? Visit our FAQ Page!

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