LEC Application
LEADERSHIP EAU CLAIRE TM (LEC) APPLICATION
Leadership Eau Claire™ (LEC) combines leadership skill building with community education. During the nine-month program, participants get a bird’s-eye view of the issues facing the community, begin developing the leadership skills necessary to assume leadership roles and are exposed to involvement opportunities in the community. Leadership Eau Claire™ is unlike other programs because it provides a catalyst for community vision and change – it builds a better tomorrow for all of us.
Learn more about Leadership Eau Claire™ on our website here!
APPLICATION DUE DATE: Friday, May 30, 2026
If submitted after this deadline, it will be noted on your application for consideration.
Note: This application must be completed in full during one session. The ability to save and resume later is not available, so please ensure you have adequate time to finish before starting.
Selection Process & Program Date
The LEC Executive Committee will select 45 participants for the program based on your application. Participants will be notified of acceptance in late June 2026. An interview session is typically held in mid-June for LEC applicants.
Since the number of spots to participate in LEC each year is limited, applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years. No more than two candidates per company will be selected to participate each year.
No tuition fee is due before acceptance into the program. Scholarships are available for employees of a non-profit organization (scholarship need indication available later in this application).
Participants in the incoming LEC Class will also be invited to our annual LEC Alumni event. At this event, you'll be introduced as an incoming class member, engage with part-program graduates & grow your network!
LEC Class of 2026 Program Days take place on the following dates:
Opening Retreat - Thursday, August 6 - Friday, August 7, 2026
Agriculture & Environment Day - Thursday, September 10, 2026
Government & Law Day - Thursday, October 8, 2026
Arts & Tourism Day - Thursday, November 12, 2026
History & Culture Day - Thursday, December 10, 2026
Volunteerism & Human Services Day - Thursday, January 14, 2027
Education Day - Thursday, February 11, 2027
Health & Quality of Life Day - Thursday, March 11, 2027
Business & Industry Day - Thursday, April 15, 2027
Weather Contingency Day (use if needed) - Thursday, May 13, 2027
Leadership Eau Claire™ Graduation Day - Thursday, May 20, 2027
Tuition
Tuition for the Leadership Eau Claire™ Program is $2,000 for Chamber members and $2,500 for non-Chamber members, which covers ALL program costs including meals, transportation, materials and accommodations for the retreat.
Payment of tuition is required upon acceptance into the program unless prior arrangements are made for a payment plan or scholarship. Because funds are utilized immediately, no refunds will be made after July 10, 2026.
Tuition Assistance
A limited number of partial scholarships may be available to individuals from non-profit organizations or from very small businesses who are otherwise unable to provide tuition. If you need financial assistance, please indicate when registering.
Program Commitment
Leadership Eau Claire™ consists of a mandatory two-day overnight retreat in August, seven monthly sessions from September - April, and a closing retreat in May (dates all listed at the top of this application). In addition, each class member is expected to participate in a group project under the guidance of the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce & will be asked to present on this group project result at the closing retreat.
The Leadership Eau Claire™ Executive Committee reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the program who has missed two or more sessions. Attendance will be taken at each session. Missing any portions of the program heavily impacts your experience in Leadership Eau Claire™ - the strongest classes in this program truly engage & actively participate throughout the year.
Please carefully consider your availability before applying. If selected to participate and you later find that you are unable to commit, please notify the Chamber as soon as possible so an alternate participant may be selected.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Director of Education:
Valerie Yang
(715) 858-0614