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 opportunities for involvement 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!
Keep an eye out for the Leadership Eau Claire™ application opening in February 2027!
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.
Program Information & Applicant Orientation
Leadership Eau Claire™ (LEC) brings together individuals interested in strengthening their leadership skills, building connections, and learning more about the Eau Claire area.
All applicants are required to attend a Leadership Eau Claire™ Orientation before being accepted into the program. Orientation is typically held during the second week of June. It provides an overview of program dates, attendance expectations, Opening Retreat and Graduation, the LEC Group Project, tuition, and participant expectations.
Each LEC class is limited to 45 participants, with no more than two participants from the same company or organization. If space is not available, applicants are encouraged to apply again in a future year.
No tuition payment is required when applying. Tuition is due after acceptance, and scholarship assistance is available for eligible nonprofit employees.
Incoming class members will also be invited to the annual LEC Alumni Event to meet program alumni, build connections, and be introduced as members of the incoming class.
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 8, 2027
Weather Contingency Day (use if needed) - Thursday, May 13, 2027
Leadership Eau Claire™ Graduation Day - Thursday, May 20, 2027
Tuition
Tuition for Leadership Eau Claire™ is $2,000 for Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Investors and $2,500 for non-Investors. Tuition covers program costs, including meals, transportation, program materials, and accommodations for the Opening Retreat.
Tuition is due upon acceptance into the program unless prior arrangements have been made for a payment plan or tuition assistance. Because program funds are committed in advance, tuition is non-refundable after the established payment deadline.
Tuition Assistance
A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for individuals from nonprofit organizations or small businesses who may otherwise be unable to participate due to the cost of tuition.
If you would like to be considered for tuition assistance, please indicate your need later in this application.
Program Commitment
Leadership Eau Claire™ is a significant time commitment, and active participation and attendance are essential to getting the most from the program.
The program includes a mandatory two-day overnight Opening Retreat in August, monthly Program Days from September through April, and Graduation in May. Participants will also work with classmates throughout the year on an LEC Group Project, with the final project presented at Graduation.
Participants are expected to attend and fully engage in all scheduled program activities. Attendance is taken at each Program Day, and participants who miss two or more sessions may be dismissed from the program at the discretion of the LEC Executive Team.
Please carefully review the program dates and consider your availability before applying. If you are unable to fulfill the program commitment after acceptance, please notify the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce as soon as possible.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Director of Education:
Valerie Yang
(715) 858-0614