Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible?

Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) seeks emerging leaders with a demonstrated commitment to their community. To apply, you must live or work within the Richmond region, which includes Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, and Richmond. We welcome applicants of all ages, backgrounds, and professional stages—no academic or career requirements are necessary.

All accepted participants must provide written support from their employer or organization confirming their availability to engage fully in the program.
How can I apply?
The online application typically opens in late February and closes in late April. Scholarships and payment plan details are included within the online program application.
What are the selection criteria?
We seek individuals with the potential to make a meaningful impact on our region through leadership, active community engagement, and an awareness of key challenges. We value a broad range of perspectives and welcome candidates eager to deepen their knowledge and contribute to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all, now and in the future.
How many participants are selected?
Between 65 and 70 community leaders from diverse business sectors are typically selected to participate in Leadership Quest.

What are the expectations of those selected?

All accepted Leadership Quest class members must provide written support from their corporation, organization, or association of employment to participate. Program participants must review and adhere to the program schedule, which includes attendance at all seminar days with no more than two full-day (or four half-day) absences. Participants are also expected to engage actively, collaborate with peers, and dedicate time to their Immersion Team Project.
What is an Immersion Team Project?
Class members will join an immersion team, where they will explore a specific regional issue in depth. This collaborative experience fosters stronger connections among classmates and reveals new opportunities to contribute to meaningful, systemic change. Together, teams work toward developing innovative, long-term solutions to challenges facing the region. Learn more about the immersion experience here.

Describe a typical seminar day.

Each seminar day will cover one leadership topic or regional issue. Expect guest speakers and panelists who are experts in their field. The class is given short breaks throughout the day to stretch their legs, rehydrate, and re-energize. Lunch will be provided. Please note that every seminar day is structured a bit differently, and the seminar topics change from year to year based on the interests of the class, as identified in their application essays. Past seminar topics have included but are not limited to education, housing, K-12 education, wealth/income inequality, regional identity, regional demographics, regional collaboration, urban renewal, and downtown development.
How much does it cost to participate?
Tuition is $5,000, covering educational content, meals, and overnight lodging for the opening retreat. Partial scholarships and payment plans are available. Learn more about scholarship options and payment plans here. Scholarships & payment plans are available.
Are there scholarships or payment plans available?

Partial scholarships and payment plans are available. Information regarding the various available scholarships can be found here. Contact us to learn more about payment plans.

Among the many reasons why participation in Leadership Quest is a great investment, here are a few that may be most important to your employer:

This program will not only prepare you for the next steps in your career but also the next steps for your organization.
The leadership skills strengthened through these seminars will not only help to increase productivity but also impact your organization’s bottom line.
Building your awareness around the challenges our region is facing will help you to identify various ways in which your organization can engage more deeply in the local community.
Surrounding yourself with a diverse group of local leaders will help generate fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the issues your organization may be facing.
In growing your network, you are also establishing new connections for your organization as well as expanding your circle of influence.
Upon completion of the program, you will gain access to additional opportunities to stay up-to-date on local issues and to connect with past, present, and future leaders from across the region.

Help Us Recruit Community Leaders

Do you know a passionate community leader in the Richmond Region? Refer them to our Leadership Quest program using this form.

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