PROGRAMS
Leadership Pittsburgh
Leadership Pittsburgh (LP) is a program for established, executive-level leaders seeking to drive meaningful impact through civic and community engagement.
Overview
Leadership Pittsburgh’s unique format makes the Pittsburgh region your classroom. From September through June, monthly sessions provide participants with the exposure, experiences, and connections that prepare them to tackle the challenges of senior leadership in our community.
Program participants gain a deeper, behind-the-scenes understanding of the region’s interconnected systems, engage directly with key leaders and changemakers, and see the community – its assets and opportunities – with fresh perspective. Most importantly, they leave inspired and energized to amplify their impact.
Sessions are led by content area experts and community leaders. LP not only engages and informs the senior leadership of our region, but also creates meaningful bonds with peers from diverse backgrounds. LP is an investment in the region — and in the individual leader. The LP program serves as a model for several other regions around the country.
Please review FAQs below to learn more about the application process and program details.
#LPIncVoices
“The experiences and insights gained from Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. have not only prepared me to tackle the complex challenges of leadership but have also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to serve as a catalyst for meaningful change.”
Service Activities
JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry
A LP XXXIX group spent a day at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. In addition to learning about the various services offered by JFCS, the group rolled up their sleeves and helped to prepare and shelve vegetables in the Food Pantry.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
A group from LP XXXIX spent a day volunteering at The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Their volunteer time included assisting Market shoppers with item selection, checkout and bagging of their groceries. At the end of their shift, they also re-stocked shelves and prepared The Market for the next day’s shoppers.
Hello Neighbor
A group from LP XXXIX helped Hello Neighbor with setting up an apartment that was going to be the new home for a Rohingya family who was moving to Pittsburgh. The group transported necessary items from Hello Neighbor’s offices to the apartment. Upon arrival at the apartment, they met additional deliveries of furniture and supplies and proceeded to unload, unpack and setup all of the items needed to fully furnish the apartment and make it a welcoming home for the family.Frequently Asked Questions
The information listed below is general and addresses a typical program year.
Following the initial opening events in September, sessions are held one day each month (typically on a Thursday) 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM from October through June. The calendar for the year is available several months prior to the application deadline. Each session location is different and conducive to the subject.
Credits are assigned to each session, and graduation is dependent upon completion of a required number of credits (in addition to attendance at sessions indicated as “mandatory” on the schedule). In order to allow for busy professional schedules, a higher number of credits are offered than required for completion/graduation. To achieve the full benefit of the program, participants are strongly advised to attend all regularly scheduled sessions in their entirety.
Welcome Reception and Orientation – Mandatory attendance. Held in early-mid September.
Leadership Retreat – Mandatory attendance. 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 applying. The retreat location is typically within 2 hours of driving distance from downtown Pittsburgh.
Sessions – Sessions are held one day each month (typically on a Thursday) 8 AM – 5 PM from October through June at varying locations within our region. Each session location is different and conducive to the subject. Participants are expected to attend all of the regularly scheduled sessions in their entirety and earn sufficient credits to graduate.
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.
Click here to download the 2026 – 2027 LP cohort schedule.
Monthly sessions focus on awareness of regional issues and developing a broader context for practice of leadership.
Thought leaders from across the region are engaged in the planning and delivery of the sessions. Site visits and group discussions create a highly experiential learning environment.
Peer Group Engagement – To create stronger bonds within the class and exposure to the broader community network, LP participants are asked to engage in Peer Group experiences that allow them to take advantage of each other’s perspectives in service of their own leadership growth. Peer 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.
Additional Program Experiences – These are optional and could include, but are not limited to, police ride alongs, exclusive partner events, volunteer opportunities, behind the scenes tours, etc.
Executive-level leaders with significant spheres of influence within the community and their organization who have the desire to expand their knowledge of the region and are willing to make the time commitment to successfully complete the program. Individuals who are ready to go behind the scenes on regional policy issues, think creatively, and act collaboratively flourish in the LP program.
- Established leaders in business, nonprofit, government, and civic entities with significant spheres of influence
- 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 and the community
- Committed to joining 50+ other high-achieving professionals in experiential monthly sessions
- No formal “invitation” is required to initiate your application
Contact us to learn more and to determine whether LP is the right fit for you.
Click here to view a listing of the LP XLII cohort.
Click here for a list of our LP Alumni by class year.
Leadership Pittsburgh applications are due the first Friday in June for the cohort 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.
The Leadership Pittsburgh Selection Committee considers letters of recommendation in the application process. We strongly encourage each applicant to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Successful applications in prior years tend to be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s company CEO/head of business unit in addition to recommendations from other LPInc. Alumni. Our alumni directory can be accessed online at lpinc.org.
Leadership Pittsburgh tuition is currently $8,000 and is non-refundable. (Please note that tuition pricing is subject to change in the future.) Payment is expected only after acceptance. Early applications are encouraged. Incentive tuition price for applications submitted by the first Friday in May is $7,700. All parts of the application must be complete to be considered.
LPInc. is a nonprofit organization: Alumni and institutional donations enable us to offer partial scholarships based on need. These are intended, primarily, for participants from the nonprofit sector, especially small nonprofit organizations. To apply for tuition assistance, please request a tuition assistance form from LPInc. (info@lpinc.org) and submit it with your application. Acceptance into Leadership Pittsburgh is not influenced by the need for tuition assistance.
Payment plans are available but must be arranged in advance with our team.
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The Leadership Pittsburgh Selection Committee considers letters of recommendation in the application process. We strongly encourage each applicant to submit at least two, but no more than four, letters of recommendation. Successful applications in prior years tend to be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s company CEO/head of business unit in addition to recommendations from other LPInc. Alumni. Our alumni directory can be accessed online at lpinc.org.
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 email to info@lpinc.org.
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Our Program Sponsors
The success of Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. relies heavily on the generous financial support of our region’s businesses and community partners. We are sincerely grateful for their continued commitment and partnership.
