Apply for Our Signature Program

TAKE THE LVC JOURNEY

Our Leadership Ventura County (LVC) Signature Program is at the heart of what we do.  For over 32 years, LVC has connected and cultivated a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

LVC's nine-month, ten-session program runs from September to May.  These sessions include a local, overnight orientation session in September, eight all-day sessions at locations throughout Ventura County, and a two and a half day trip to Sacramento.  Sessions days will cover important topics, including public safety, education, economic development, water, transportation, health care, nonprofits and volunteerism, the environment, agriculture and land use, regional issues, and governance. These sessions are interactive with open dialogue between presenters and program participants. Participants also conduct site visits and field trips as part of background research on the various topics of discussion.  Additionally, each participant must complete an immersion activity of their choosing before the start of their year.

LVC’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathways toward impacting our region.

APPLY FOR OUR NEXT SIGNATURE CLASS

Each year, leaders from business, education, nonprofit, and public sectors throughout the community are selected to participate in this transformational program. Ideal candidates have demonstrated some level of community leadership experience and are committed to community engagement. This long-standing program is highly competitive and many candidates apply more than once.

Applications open in february of 2027 for our next LVC class

Timeline

Our application period open in February and closes mid-May of each year.

  • During the application period, each candidate must complete a written application.
    • When completing the application, careful, thorough responses are encouraged in order to ensure the Selection Committee has enough information to judge fit for the program and dedication to community leadership development. 
  • In-person interviews wll be held throughout the month of June, in various cities throughout the county.  These informal, 25-minute interviews allow each applicant to share a little about themselves and ask any questions to our Executive Director and members of our alumni network, who volunteer to serve as panel interviewers.
  • Decisions on acceptance or declination are made the first week of July.
  • In July and August, selected participants will be onboarded by LVC staff and are required to complete a self-selected immersion activity before the start of their year.

Tuition

  • The cost to participate in Leadership Ventura County's Signature Program is $3,000, which includes the cost of lodging for the first session, and all program materials, meals, and facility use at each site.
    • Travel expenses to, from, and during each session are not covered and must be provided by each class member. Additionally, costs (travel, hotel, meals) for the session in Sacramento are not included in the tuition costs and must be paid separately.
  • Tuition should be paid before the start of the year, but for those needing it, payment plans are available.
  • If a participant drops out of the program following the first session, all funds received are forfeited.

Financial assistance

Selection to Leadership Ventura County's Signature Program is made without regard to an applicant’s financial circumstances. LVC offers partial scholarships for individuals who are representatives or employees of small nonprofit organizations and people from underrepresented communities and organizations, and others.

  • Scholarship requests are considered only after the class selection process is complete and will in no way impact consideration of your application.  by their organizations, and have exhausted all other funding sources.
  • Before requesting financial aid from Leadership Ventura County, applicants must consider all other potential sources for tuition assistance, such as contributions from their employer and other organizations with which they are associated. After all other potential sources of tuition assistance have been identified, financial aid for up to 50% of the tuition cost may be available.
  • Scholarship requests are to be submitted at the time of application. Requests submitted after the application deadline will not be considered.
  • When you are notified that you have been selected to participate in the LVC, you will be asked to make a deposit to secure your position in the class. You will also be notified of any financial assistance awarded on your behalf. Upon acceptance, please contact our executive director to verify any payment plans and accept LVC's financial assistance.

Class of 2028

Applications for our next class open in February of 2027.  Check back for more information.

First Session (Overnight Orientation)
September 17th & 18th, 2027

Second Session (City Exploration)
October 14, 2027

Third Session (Public Works & Water)
November 12, 2027

Fourth Session (Housing & Land Use)
December 10, 2027

Fifth Session (Transportation & Workforce)
January 14, 2028

Sixth Session (Education & Civics)
February 11, 2028

Seventh Session (Sacramento Trip)
Feb 27 - Feb 29, 2028

Eighth Session (Public Safety & Agriculture)
March 17, 2028

Ninth Session (Healthcare & Social Safety Nets)
April 14, 2028

Tenth Session (NBVC & Program Debrief)
May 12, 2028

Graduation
May 18, 2028