Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Applying for Bergen LEADS

We’re looking for 30 talented leaders for the Bergen LEADS Class of 2011, and invite all interested candidates to submit an application, which can be downloaded from our website at http://bergenleads.org/index.html. Here’s more information you need to know:

Application Deadline

All applications must be completed, signed and submitted, via US mail only, by April 2, 2010. Please do not e-mail your application. The Selection Committee will read and score the applications, then choose 45 finalists based on the strength and elements of their written application. Finalists will be notified by May 3.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the entire Bergen LEADS seminar year is $2000 per participant. Each individual is expected to personally contribute $300; the balance of $1700 is then payable by employer, sponsoring organization, or the participant themselves. The first and second payments of $600 are due on June 15^th and July 15^th. The final payment of $500 is due by August 15^th.

Scholarships are available based on financial need. Bergen LEADS wants to ensure that we have a diverse class, and that no one is prevented from participating because they are unable to pay tuition. Each Finalist will be asked to complete a financial aid application form indicating if they are requesting assistance; these forms will be opened only after the final class of 30 is chosen to assure a needs-blind selection process.

Final Selection

Finalists will participate in mandatory interviews on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Gilda’s Club in Hackensack. Applicants should be available for approximately 90 minutes on the day of the interview. Each applicant will participate in two 15-minute interviews – one on leadership, and the other on issues.

After the interviews are completed, the Selection Committee will choose 30 individuals for the Class of 2011. Those selected will be notified of their admittance into the program on Friday, May 28, 2010, and will be introduced as the new Class of 2011 in June.

We encourage everyone who is interested in applying for the new class to attend one of our Open Houses in February or March. The dates have been posted on our website at http://bergenleads.org/comingevents.html and as an entry on our blog below. For any questions please contact Amanda Missey at amissey@bergenvolunteers.org.