LEAD SouthCoast

LEAD SouthCoast is a 10-month intensive community leadership development program that convenes a cohort of 30-35 diverse individuals from the nonprofit, private, and public sectors in the South Coast. Session topics, presented by local leaders and field experts, explore critical issues and opportunities across the region while providing participants with direct and powerful connections, leadership skills training, and opportunities to work with local organizations to build capacity, develop skills, and strengthen connections.

DEADLINE: June 30, 2026

LEAD SouthCoast Application

Employer-Sponsor Signatures

Session Topics Include

Arts & Culture
Economic Development
Government
Basic Needs
Education
Public Health
Criminal Justice
Environmental Sustainability
Racial Equity & Social Justice

The Benefits

Develop and Strengthen Leadership Skills
Expand Professional Network
Increase Self-Awareness
Hone Problem Solving & Management Skills
Broaden Understanding of the Region
Gain Understanding of the Complexity and the Interconnectivity of the Various Issues Impacting the Region

Thank you for your interest in the LEAD SouthCoast program. The program is designed to empower your leadership skills, enhance your network, and engage you with the community through our Board Fellowship component.

A Selection Committee will review all applications submitted. For those selected to move forward, an interview will be required. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. We will reach out to you with the date and time options. You will be notified on a rolling basis if accepted into the program.

LEAD Program Tuition

Early Bird Tuition: $3,500

Applicants who submit their applications between November 1st and March 31st at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time will receive the discounted tuition rate of $3,500.

Regular Tuition: $4,000

Beginning April 1st, tuition will return to the regular rate of $4,000.

Tuition must be paid in full or arrangements made before the start of the program.

The program schedule starts in early September and is subject to change based on public health protocols and presenters’ availability.

September, Opening Orientation
October - Government/Boston Trip/Economics
November - Basic Needs
December - Public Health
January - Arts & Culture
February - Development
March - Criminal Justice
April - Environmental Sustainability
May - Education
June - Racial Justice & Equity
Sessions will run from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm.

June - Graduation Day (Evening Event)

It is expected that all members of the LSC cohort make every effort to attend all sessions. After two absences, you may be asked to leave the program. Tuition is non-refundable, and LSC may be required to report your progress and engagement in the program to your employer or tuition sponsor.

LEAD Program Class Dates

Location: UMass Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

151 Martine St, Fall River, MA 02723

View Location on Google Maps

Class Schedule

Wednesday, October 8
Thursday, October 23 – Visit to State House
Thursday, November 20
Thursday, December 18
Thursday, January 15
Thursday, February 12
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, April 9
Thursday, May 7
Thursday, June 11