How to Apply

CCA's Leading by Design Fellows Program seeks senior managers and professionals who are looking to make a greater impact -- people who want to drive meaningful change and innovation on the job and in the world. Applicants should be currently in, or advancing into, leadership positions of increasing responsibility, and have strong communication and collaboration skills.

The 2012 Fellows Program begins May 31 and meets one weekend (Friday and Saturday) per month through November 2012. The program is based in San Francisco.

• First residency: May 31-June 2 (Please note: this is Thurs-Sat)
• Second residency: June 29-30
• Third residency: July 29-30
• Fourth residency: August 24-25
• Fifth residency: September 28-29
• Final residency: November 2-3

APPLICATION SCHEDULE

We will accept applications starting November 8, 2011. We will accept Fellows on a rolling-admissions basis starting January 1 and will notify you of our decision two weeks after receiving your application.

TUITION COSTS

Priority consideration (applications received on or before March 30th): $13,500 (including books, materials, fees, and meals).

Applications received after March 30: $15,000 (including books, materials, fees, and meals)

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

CCA does not offer financial aid for the Fellows Program.

APPLICATION

To apply for the Fellows Program, do all of the following four procedures:

(1) Apply online
Complete the online application form: Apply now to the Leading by Design Fellows Program

(2) Submit a $70 nonrefundable application fee
By phone: Call Carol Pitts in the Office of Special Programs at 510.594.3732.
By fax: Download the Application Fee Payment Form, then fax to 510.594.3771 (attn: Carol Pitts)

(3) Submit a personal essay and résumé
Email Carol Pitts: cpitts@cca.edu
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 professional and leader.

In addition, please address the following questions in your essay (you do not have to answer them explicitly). Consider your organization, community, industry, or society as a whole:

• Describe the kind of change that’s needed (or you’d like to make). What’s your vision for a better direction and optimal future?
• What do you see as the two or three most pressing problems in any of the above arenas? What would you like to focus on solving?
• Describe one positive and one negative example of your experience as a manager or leader. What insights did you learn from these experiences?
• How will your LinkedIn profile read one to two years from now? What will your status update be?

Expanded résumé (2-4 pages) detailing specific responsibilities, achievements, and learning experiences that resulted from your previous employment positions. Include the projects on which you've worked.

(4) 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 may be mailed directly by the recommender to:

Carol Pitts
CCA, Office of Special Programs
5212 Broadway
Oakland CA 94618

Alternatively, applicants may email the recommender's electronic signature to Carol Pitts at cpitts@cca.edu.

INTERVIEW

Although not a requirement, potential Fellows are encouraged to schedule a phone, Skype, or face-face interview with Leading by Design Fellows staff or faculty. To do so, please contact Program Director Susan Worthman: sworthman@cca.edu.

More Info

For additional information or if you have further questions, please contact fellowsprogram@cca.edu.