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.

For more information, visit cla.uchicago.edu.

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.