Leadership Pittsburgh

Leadership Pittsburgh applications are due the first Friday in June for the class that starts in September. Early applications are encouraged. Incentive tuition price is provided for applications submitted by the first Friday in May. All parts of the application must be complete to be considered.

A selection committee reviews applications during the month of July. Applicants accepted for admission to Leadership Pittsburgh are notified in August.

A letter of support from the organization that employs the applicant, as well as letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s abilities and skills (especially LPI alums!) are strongly recommended at the time of application. Self-employed individuals can also apply. The selection committee seeks to have each class of Leadership Pittsburgh represent a diverse cross section of our community, that is: diverse by race, gender, background, perspectives, occupation and personal experience.

Application information for the 2025-2026 LP cohort will be available in February 2025.

Leadership Pittsburgh tuition is $6,800 per participant (please note that this is subject to change in the future). Early applications are encouraged. Incentive tuition price for applications submitted by the first Friday in May is $6,500. All parts of the application must be complete to be considered.

Accepted applicants will receive an invoice which must be paid to ensure their spot in the class. Payment plans are available but must be arranged in advance with our team.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available and are primarily intended to assist participants from nonprofit organizations with limited resources. Participants seeking tuition assistance will be asked to complete a statement of financial need and should submit their request for assistance with their application. Click here to request tuition assistance information. Acceptance into Leadership Pittsburgh is not influenced by the need for tuition assistance.

LPInc. strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccinations and is a mask-friendly organization. LPInc. will continue to monitor local, state and national guidelines, including CDC guidelines, leading up to each in-person event and will share any updates to our policy as needed. Please note that masks, proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (taken within 72 hours of an event) may be required for entry into some sessions/events should the venue host require such. Ample advance notice would be provided.

All Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. activities always adhere to required standards of public health and safety. The information listed below is general and addresses a typical program year.

Following the initial retreat, the class will typically meet from 8 AM – 5 PM on one Thursday of each month. The schedule is determined several months in advance. Credits are assigned to each session and most activities, and participants are required to earn a predetermined number of credits to complete the program. More credits are offered than required for the program’s completion in order to allow participants flexibility in arranging their personal schedules. Additionally, there is an overnight trip and learning experience to Harrisburg in the spring.

Welcome Reception and Orientation – Held in early-mid September.

Initial Retreat  – The retreat is critical to the formation of the cohort and is held on a Thursday through mid-day Friday. Applicants are strongly advised to take a look at the retreat dates on the schedule in advance of submitting an application. When held in-person, the retreat location is typically within 2 hours of driving distance from downtown Pittsburgh.

Monthly Program Sessions – All sessions are typically held from 8 AM – 5 PM on one Thursday of each month at varying locations within our community (or virtually as prevailing conditions may warrant).

Regional Policy Trip to Harrisburg – An overnight experiential learning trip to Harrisburg offers the LP class members an opportunity to explore policy formulation at the state level. This overnight session typically takes place in early – mid May. Transportation and accommodations are arranged by LPI. (If possible based on prevailing conditions.)

Peer Advisory Groups – In order to create stronger class bonds and increase individual networks, LP class members are required to participate in Peer Groups. Peer Groups allow participants the opportunity to learn from the perspective of different sectors, and therefore broaden their context from which to practice leadership. Group members tend to represent non-competing organizations. The group work requires limited commitment outside of scheduled program sessions and meeting times/locations/modality are self-determined by the group.

Direct Service – Participants develop one or two service day/half-day opportunities to volunteer in the community (family participation is encouraged).

Additional Program Experiences – These are optional and could include, but are not limited to, interviews with community leaders, police ride-alongs, volunteer opportunities, behind the scenes tours, etc. (As available based on prevailing conditions.)

Click here to download the 2024-2025 tentative LP cohort schedule.

Sessions focus on understanding key regional issues, creating space to exercise systems thinking, and developing a broader context for practice of leadership.

Thought leaders and experts from across the community are involved in the planning and delivery of the sessions.

When sessions are held in-person, each session location is different and conducive to the subject.

Site visits and group discussions create a highly experiential learning environment.

Session topics in recent years have included: Economic Development, Anti-Racism, Neighborhoods and Community Development, Local Government, Arts, Entrepreneurship, Infrastructure, Public Education, etc.

Senior leaders with significant spheres of influence within the community and their organization who has the desire to expand his/her/their knowledge of the region and are willing to make the time commitment of one day a month to successfully complete the program.

• Established leaders in business, nonprofit, government and civic entities with significant spheres of influence
• Ready to go behind the headlines, think creatively, and act collaboratively
• Looking for a community leadership experience that captures their spirit of purpose, learning, and contribution
• Seeking to broaden their professional networks and make an even bigger contribution to their organization
• New to the area OR have a renewed interest sparked by a new job, new inspiration, or new phase of life
• Open to people, places and opportunities in the Greater Pittsburgh region
• Willing to participate in experiential monthly sessions with approximately 50 other high-achieving professionals

Click here to view a listing of the LP XL cohort.

Click here for a comprehensive list of our LP Alumni by class year.

Click here for a comprehensive list of our LP Alumni by last name.

Click here to refer someone to one of our programs. We will then get in touch with them to share more information regarding our programs. Thank you for helping to spread the word and strengthen our mission delivery!

The Leadership Pittsburgh Selection Committee heavily weighs the letters of recommendation in the application process. We strongly encourage each applicant to submit at least two letters of recommendation. Successful applications in prior years tend to be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from applicant’s CEO/head of business unit in addition to recommendations from LPInc. alumni (see under “Who has graduated from Leadership Pittsburgh?”).

Recommendations are due in to the Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. office by 5:00 PM on the date of the application deadline. These can be submitted along with the application or separately via the online form; or by e-mail to info@lpinc.org.