Leadership Quest

• • Application Fee: $50
  • Tuition: $4250
  • Program & Scholarship Applications Due: April 24, 2023
  • Applicants Notified About Class Selection by June 23, 2023
  • Tuition Due: July 20, 2023

Bierne Carter Foundation Fund

Awarded to applicants who are employed in the nonprofit industry.

City of Richmond Fund

For applicants who work for or live in the City of Richmond.

Deborah L. March Women in Leadership Fund

Established in memory of the late Deborah L. Marsh, LMR Class of 1999, and President of Meals on Wheels, scholarships are awarded to women employed or significantly involved in the nonprofit field.

Gwathmey Memorial Trust Fund

Awarded to applicants employed or significantly involved in the nonprofit field, with priority given to those in the field of education.

John Mayo Fund

Established in memory of the late John Mayo, LMR Class of 1997, scholarships are awarded to individuals with financial needs.

Philip Morris USA Fund

Awarded annually to minority applicants who demonstrate financial need and to applicants employed in the nonprofit industry.

Tina Egge Fund

Established in honor of Tina Egge for her years of service as President of Leadership Metro Richmond, awarded to applicants with financial needs.

Women Leading the Future

Established by Carol Olson, LMR Class of 2018. A scholarship in honor of women survivors of violence and societal marginalization. Scholarship awarded to BIPOC women leading anti-violence and community change work.

• Am I eligible?
  

  Leadership Metro Richmond candidates are required to demonstrate leadership ability and a commitment to their community.  You must live or work within the Richmond region, which includes Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, and Richmond.  There is no age, academic, or career requirement to apply.

• How can I apply?
  

  Applications for the Class of 2024 are open starting February 27, 2023, and close April 24, 2023. Quest applicants must submit their scholarship application with their program application.

• What are the selection criteria?

  Leadership Metro Richmond recruits individuals with the potential to positively impact our region. This is evidenced by their previous and current leadership experience, understanding of the importance of community engagement, and an awareness of the region’s key issues. The recruitment and selection committee seeks diverse individuals who will engage in opportunities to serve our region, thus improving the quality of life for all today and in the years to come.

• How many participants are selected?
  

  Between 65 and 70 community leaders from the for-profit, nonprofit, grassroots, and government sectors are chosen to participate in the Leadership Quest program each year.

• 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. Please review the detailed class schedule here. The attendance policy strictly prohibits more than 2 absences from seminar days throughout the program, which includes late arrivals and early departures. Undivided attention and interactive participation are expected from every class member as well as dedication to your immersion team project.

• What is an immersion team project?

  Class members will be assigned to an immersion team, giving them an opportunity to dive deeper into a regional issue of their choosing.  This experience allows class members to form stronger bonds with classmates while opening them up to new possibilities for the role they could play in making systemic changes and developing long-term solutions to regional challenges. Click here to learn more.

• 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 on days when the class meets in person. 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?

  The cost of tuition for the Class of 2024 is $4,250.  Please note that this is subject to change for future program participants. For more information on financing your participation, please review the “Fees & Scholarships” drop-down menu item above.

• Are there scholarships available?
  

  Partial scholarships are available; the scholarship application for the Class of 2024 will open in February 2023.  Applications for scholarship consideration must be turned in along with your Leadership Quest application. Only those accepted into the program will be considered to receive a scholarship.  For more information on the various scholarships available, please review the "Fees & Scholarships" drop-down above.