MISSION:
The West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance is coordinating Leadership West Kentucky as a regional program seeking to build a network of informed citizens connected across community lines. Curriculum includes leadership development, education on issues facing the region, relationship-building and awareness of uniqueness of each county. It is to instill pride in the region and focus on encouraging participants to be active in their region/community in Western Kentucky and help make positive change and “be a changemaker in their community.”

SERVICE AREA:

Leadership West Kentucky will serve the counties represented by the West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance including Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, and Trigg.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must either work or live in one of the counties identified above. If the county they reside in has a local Leadership program, it is highly recommended they participate in their local program before applying for LWK. We are looking for participants who are active in their local community and willing to commit the time to actively participate in LWK. Attention will be given to reflect the diversity of the region’s local communities.

Participants will be chosen by a Selection Committee appointed by the WKRCA Board and based upon the information completed on the application. The Committee will be seeking a diverse class, professionally, geographically, ethnically and gender-wise. The goal is to have representation from all 14 counties.

SELECTION PROCESS/DATES:

Applications will be accepted beginning November 1. Applications must be completed and returned with additional required materials by no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023. Notifications will be made no later than December 15. Applicants should review the dates of the class to ensure there are no major conflicts and tentatively hold those dates.

STRUCTURE:

The program will begin with a mandatory orientation to kick off the program on January 17 and 18, 2024 and meet for a full day’s session in February – June. Class members will travel each month to the featured area with a focus on that community as well as regional topics such as transportation, education, economic development, quality of life, advocacy, agriculture, and tourism. These topics will be covered by knowledgeable speakers and panels, tours, interactive exercises, and class discussions.

REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance at the January overnight Orientation is mandatory. Orientation is unique and requires a higher standard of attendance than regular program sessions. Any absence of any portion (greater than one hour) of Orientation may result in such class member not being able to participate in the LWK program, subject to review of extenuating circumstances.

Leadership West Kentucky requires a strict time commitment. Class members must attend a minimum of 80 percent of all sessions. Any participant missing more than two regular full day sessions, in half-day increments, will not be eligible to graduate from the program. No refunds will be given.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Session Dates – Program schedule listed below is tentative, but please go ahead and mark your calendars.

January 17 and 18 – mandatory overnight orientation in Paducah

February 22 in TBD

March 28 in TBD

April 25 in TBD

May 23 in TBD

June 27 – graduation in Hopkinsville

PLACE & TIME:

Sessions will last an average of eight hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sessions will be located throughout the region. Times and locations will be sent one week prior to each session. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the sessions.

COST:

Tuition for LWK is $800. Participant is responsible for any overnight lodging required including the orientation, and their own transportation to the county for each month’s session.

SCHOLARSHIPS

A limited number of partial scholarships may be available. If financial assistance is requested, applicants will need to attach a letter officially requesting a scholarship and stating the reasons. The scholarship request must accompany the completed application to be considered. Requests for scholarship assistance are completely confidential. (Note: no full scholarships will be awarded.)

For more information, contact info@paducahchamber.org or 270-443-1746 Ext 817.