What is Leadership Canton? 

Leadership Canton was established in 1994 as a collaboration of the Canton Chamber of Commerce and the Charter Township of Canton. The program is designed to ensure a continuing source of skilled and motivated leaders for the Canton community. The program has been developed to help current and potential leaders broaden their awareness of leadership opportunities in the Canton community. For more information on program content, please click <insert link to program page>.

Who runs the program? 

Leadership Canton is run by a steering committee that includes alumni of the program, which meets once a month following each session. Each session has a liaison and a session planner that make plans for upcoming sessions. Sessions are run by community leaders who offer their knowledge and expertise to give participants a better understanding of community leadership roles.

Do I have to be a resident of Canton to participate? 

No. The Leadership Canton program simply requires that you reside, work, or do business within the community.

Do I have to be a member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce? 

No. Any individual who meets program requirements will be considered for the program, regardless of their involvement with the Canton Chamber of Commerce.

How much is tuition for the Leadership Canton program? 

Tuition for the program is $800. A $100 deposit required with application submission. Balance of tuition will be due at the end of November.

What does my tuition pay for?  

Tuition pays for logistics of the class including, but not limited to, guest speaker fees, lunch at each session, bus transportation when necessary, materials, and other program costs.

Are scholarships available? 

Partial scholarships ($300 each) are available to participants whom are self-funded, or are representing a non-profit organization. Participants seeking scholarship dollars must submit a letter of need with their application and $100 deposit, to be reviewed by the steering committee. No scholarship requests shall be considered after the start of the program. In the event that a scholarship is awarded and the participant does not successfully complete the program, the participant will be responsible for reimbursing Leadership Canton for scholarship monies. Scholarship recipients are also required to participate on a Leadership Canton Committee following graduation.

How much time will I have to devote to the program? 

The program requires that you attend 8 day-long sessions. The sessions will occur once a month October through April. In addition, participants will also be expected to attend a dinner reception the evening before the first session, and a graduation ceremony at the culmination of the program. Students who miss more than two sessions will not be permitted to graduate. In addition, each participant is assigned to a project at the beginning of the course. Some class time will be devoted to the project, but students are expected to meet outside of class to discuss projects with their team.

What happens if I miss a session? 

It is strongly recommended that participants attend each session of the program. In the event that there is a scheduling conflict, students are permitted to miss up to two sessions and still be eligible to graduate. Any student missing more than two sessions will not graduate. Both graduating and non-graduating participants are encouraged to attend any missed sessions the following year. Non-graduating students who successfully make up their missed sessions will be allowed to graduate with the following year’s class.

Do I have to notify anyone in advance when I know I will be missing a session? 

Yes. Each student will be sent an e-mail reminder the week before each session, and are required to notify the program’s planners whether or not they will be attending.

How do I apply? 

Fill out and return an application and $100 deposit by ……………… <Click here for application> 

After I submit my application and deposit, am I automatically enrolled in the program? 

No. The program is limited to 25 participants each year, and all applications are subject to review by the Steering Committee. Participants accepted into the program will be notified by mail. In the event that you are not accepted into the program, your deposit will be fully refunded.

What is the attire for the program? 

Business-casual attire is expected at all daytime sessions, with the exception of April’s Public Safety session, where students are permitted and encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for outdoor demonstrations. Business attire is expected at both the Opening Dinner Reception and Graduation.