Founded in 2014 at the University of Chicago, the Civic Leadership Academy is a leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in non-profit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County. Since the program’s inception, 330 fellows representing nearly every civic space and every geographic corner in Chicago and Cook County have participated.

The Civic Leadership Academy meets every other Friday from January to June. The program also includes a one-week global practicum at the end of February and a monthly civic practitioner leadership series.

Who Should Apply

The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is designed for high-performing nonprofit and government leaders who seek rigorous leadership development.

The Civic Leadership Academy meets every other Friday from January to June. Facilitated by distinguished UChicago faculty, the six-month program delves into foundations of leadership and institutional reform. It pushes fellows to think critically about practical application through a one-week global practicum and a monthly civic practitioner leadership series.

Successful CLA fellows are intellectually curious, reflective, ambitious, innovative, collaborative, and committed to positive change. Candidates should:

  • Be a full-time employee of a Chicago nonprofit organization, the City of Chicago, Cook County, or a local government agency
  • Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and high performance
  • Have a minimum of five years of work experience in the civic sector
  • Be nominated by a supervisor and provide one additional letter of recommendation

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Submit one letter of recommendation
  3. Provide a nomination from your supervisor

Applications are due by Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5pm CT.

Information Sessions

We invite you to learn more about the program at one of our upcoming virtual informational events, where CLA staff and alumni will present and answer your questions about this innovative program.

All information sessions take place via Zoom from 12 - 1pm CST.

  • Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
  • Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025
  • Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
  • Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
  • Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
  • Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
  • Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
  • Wednesday, August 27th, 2025

Register for one of our upcoming info sessions!

Program Benefits

The Civic Leadership Academy offers a dynamic learning experience that equips fellows with practical tools, lasting connections, and a broadened perspective to lead transformative change across Chicago’s civic landscape.

Provides Essential Leadership Knowledge and Skills

Taught by world-class faculty from the University of Chicago and other institutions, fellows engage in a six-month interdisciplinary curriculum that exposes them to essential leadership frameworks and applications.

Builds Network of Civic Leaders

Specifically designed to strengthen connections between nonprofit and government leaders, the Civic Leadership Academy provides opportunities for its fellows to create links for future impact. Alumni programming allows fellows across cohorts to continuously expand their networks and continue learning.

Delivers Distinctive, Chicago-based Programming

In addition to courses taught by world-class UChicago faculty and civic practitioners, the CLA curriculum includes class sessions and monthly panels led by local civic leaders applying skills learned in CLA to current issues and challenges. 

Develops Perspective Through Local and Global Observations

Fellows hone leadership skills and gain valuable perspective by completing a one-week global practicum to learn how civic leaders in a different context address challenges in their work.

Fosters a Collective Reimagining of Institutions

Fellows complete a capstone project wherein they identify a structural challenge facing local government or nonprofits and propose a series of institutional reforms to address the challenge.