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.
2013 Fellows Program Begins June 6
The 2013 Fellows Program begins June 6 and meets one weekend (Friday and Saturday) per month through November 2013. The program is based in San Francisco.
- First residency: June 6-8 (Please note: this is Thurs-Sat)
- Second residency: July 12-13
- Third residency: August 9-10
- Fourth residency: September 6-7
- Fifth residency: October 4-5
- Final residency: November 1-2
Application Schedule
Applications are currently being accepted. As of January 1, we are accepting Fellows on a rolling-admissions basis, and will notify you of our decision two weeks after receiving your application.
Tuition Costs
Tuition includes all books, materials, field trips, fees, and meals.
Priority consideration (complete application received on or before March 1): $11,500
Applications submitted after March 1: $12,000
Financial Assistance
CCA does not offer financial aid for the program. However, there are private loan programs for continuing education, as well as Federal tax credits and deductions for tuition.
- Private loans: Be sure to ask your bank, credit union or credit card company about private loans for continuing education. These are typically low interest.
- Employer reimbursement or support: We’re happy to help you construct a business case to present to your employer for this. Often there are budget line items for professional development or attendance at conferences that can be tapped as sources to defray some portion of the tuition. Check with your Human Resources department in advance about the tuition reimbursement policies. The Fellows Program is a certificate program, not a degree program. We don’t offer credit units or give grades, although we do evaluate performance. That may or may not be an issue, depending on your company's policies.
- Tuition tax credits and deductions: Federal tax credits and deductions exist for lifelong learning and continuing education. Refer to this IRS publication for full details
- Additional information: Refer to finaid.org for other resources, ideas and information.
Application
You do not need to complete your online application in one sitting. Once you have begun your application, you can return to it to add attachments or finish other sections.
Follow the instructions in the application to submit contact information for your letter of recommendation.
You will not be prompted to pay the application fee until you click on the submit button.
Once submitted, your application can no longer be changed, but you can still log back into your application to check on whether your recommendation letter has been received.
Your online application will include the following:
A personal essay
In 1,000 to 1,500 words, describe your relevant leadership and management experience and how it has shaped your career. Please explain what you hope to learn and achieve through this program as well as what value you believe it can provide to you.
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 for your project in the program?
An expanded résumé
Detail specific responsibilities, achievements, and learning experiences that resulted from your previous employment positions. Include the projects on which you've worked.
A 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. Be ready to supply an email contact for this person in your online application.
A $70 nonrefundable application fee: You will not be prompted to pay the application fee until you finish the application and click the submit button.
Interview
Although not a requirement, potential Fellows are encouraged to schedule a phone, Skype, or face-to-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.