How to Apply

CCA's Leading by Design Fellows Program is looking for executives and senior managers who are currently in or advancing into leadership positions of increasing responsibility.

Participants should have proficiency with business software and using the Internet and possess a working understanding of business concepts, including financial literacy.

Applications received in full by January 29, 2010, receive priority consideration with acceptance notice by February 15, and a $1,000 discount applied toward tuition if accepted into the program for the May 2010 term.

Applications received after January 29 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis starting February 16.

The standard application deadline is March 1, 2010. As space is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid being wait-listed.

Tuition

Tuition for the Leading by Design Fellows Program is $14,500, which includes books, materials, and special receptions. Applicants who complete their admissions file by January 29, 2010 are entitled to a $1,000 tuition discount; their tuition will be $13,500.

Financial Assistance

CCA does not offer financial aid for the Fellows Program. For those in need, we recommend that you investigate private student loan programs, such as the two listed below, or inquire with your bank or credit union:

CITIAssist Graduate Loans
Sallie Mae Career Training Loans

Application Requirements

application
personal essay and expanded résumé
one letter of recommendation
$70 nonrefundable application fee

Application
Applicants are required to complete and submit the application online (no paper applications will be accepted). Application forms for the Leading by Design Fellows Program will be available online starting November 1.

Personal Essay and Expanded Résumé
A personal essay of 1,000 to 1,500 words describing your relevant leadership and management experience and how it has shaped your career is required. Please explain what you hope to learn and achieve through this program, as well as what value you believe it can provide to you as a leader. Return to this page periodically for added information regarding the essay. Also, the application procedure will be addressed at the Information Day on November 21.

In addition, please submit an expanded résumé, detailing specific responsibilities, achievements, and learning experiences that resulted from your previous employment positions and the projects on which you've worked.

Letter of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required from a former or current employer or client/customer who can attest to your achievements and organizational responsibilities. Letters must be submitted online. When submitting your electronic application, you'll have the chance to provide your recommender's email address. The recommender will receive a recommendation form via email. Once completed, the form is submitted electronically to CCA.

Interview

Although not a requirement, potential Fellows can arrange an interview with Leading by Design Fellows staff or faculty. We also encourage all interested persons to attend the program's Information Day, the first of which is scheduled for November 21.

Refund / Withdrawal

Refund requests and program withdrawals must be made in writing. To obtain a tuition refund, a student must officially withdraw by faxing the Office of Special Programs at 510.594.3771. Important: If you do not receive an email confirming receipt of your fax by the end of the next business day, please call 510.594.3773.

Refund Schedule

Students whose withdrawal/refund request is received on or before April 5, 2010, are entitled to a refund of tuition payments made, less a $1,250 cancellation fee. Note: The $70 application fee is nonrefundable.

Neither failing to attend class nor notifying an instructor or staff member constitutes an official withdrawal.

Please allow four weeks to process a refund request. If you paid by credit card, your account will be credited; if you paid by check, you will be issued a refund check.

Students who withdraw after April 5, 2010, are ineligible for any refund.

In the event you must withdraw from the Fellows Program, you will receive priority consideration for admission to the following year's program. Unfortunately, tuition paid for the 2010–11 program cannot be credited toward a future program.

The college reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the program if the minimum enrollment is not met. In that unlikely event, you will be notified by phone or email and you will receive a full refund of your tuition, including the application fee.

For additional information, contact fellowsprogram@cca.edu