Overview and Application Information

(adult program)

The Process: The Leadership Somerset program begins in January and ends in December with one seminar each month (on a Wednesday). Classes are held at various locations throughout Somerset County. Each seminar is approximately 8-9 hours long. Attendance at the January session is mandatory and students may miss no more than 1½ sessions to graduate. A class of 40 intentionally diverse individuals is selected each fall.

What You Will Learn: Each session is dedicated to a specific topic. The day is filled with speakers, interactive discussions, and field trips that cover all aspects of the subject matter. These hands-on sessions allow class members to learn the pros and cons and details of each area of study so they can develop their own ideas and opinions. Through this intense, interactive training you will gain:

•  a knowledge of formal and informal decision-making channels in Somerset County;

• a broader view of critical community issues;

• an introduction to key community leaders and an opportunity to network; and

• an opportunity to practice and refine critical leadership skills and competencies. 

In addition to the specific class days, each class is required to complete one major project that benefits the community. Together, the class decides on the project, develops the plans and assures execution. Students experience firsthand how community trusteeship works and learn teamwork skills and consensus building techniques they can use at work and volunteer experiences.

Who Should Apply: We are looking for interested citizens who live or work in Somerset County and reflect a cross-section of ages, cultures, races, interests, viewpoints, professions, and experiences. You should have a genuine interest in Somerset County and desire to become more involved, supported by high standards of personal quality and integrity. You and your employer must be willing to commit the time required to make this a successful experience for you and your classmates. 

Program Costs: The majority of the cost to attend the yearlong program is underwritten by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company, has provided grant funding to support the program.

Leadership Somerset participants for the Class of 2010 are asked to contribute a program fee of $200 for the year, which includes participation in all sessions and meals. Limited scholarships based on financial need are available.

Benefits: Your investment of your participation and modest program fee provides you with approximately 100 hours of learning experiences, the opportunity to meet community leaders, networking with other members in your class and over 200 program alumni, and the chance to develop your own leadership skills through active participation in several projects during your program year. 

Benefits to you as a participant:

• Greater community involvement
   

• Heightened awareness
   

• Personal growth
   

• Impact
   

• Stewardship

Benefits to your employer and our partner organizations

• LS participants incorporate their class leadership experience and problem-solving abilities into their work place
   

• Involved companies gain new insights into community issues and strengthen their recognition in community affairs
   

• LS participants have access to a network of key community leaders and business resources

Benefits to our community

• This program provides a broad-based pool of committed individuals sensitive to the diverse populations and issues in our community
   

• These individuals are prepared to take action in shaping our community’s future
   

• This program encourages creative partnerships and initiatives between the public and private sectors.

For more information about the benefits of participation in Leadership Somerset, click on the Testimonials and Alumni Satisfaction link

Applications: Members of the Class of 2010 have been selected. The applications for the Class of 2011 will be available in June 2010.

 

Please contact us at

Leadership Somerset
c/o Somerset County Administrator's Office
PO Box 3000, 20 Grove Street, Somerville, NJ 08876-1262

Tel. (908) 231-7040 Fax(908) 231-1740
Email LeadershipSomerset@co.somerset.nj.us