Program Overview

The Leadership Victoria Development Program is a unique, nine-month action/study program designed to identify, develop and motivate emerging leaders.

The program

• helps prepare participants for the challenges of their own lifelong leadership journeys
• builds upon foundational leadership skills
• develops an awareness of the rich opportunities for leadership available in the Victoria region
• provides practical experience as a key part of the learning process
• exposes participants to current regional issues as a context for skill building
• develops supportive, enduring networks

Each year, approximately twenty-five program participants are selected for the program through a competitive screening process. Leadership Victoria actively recruits from the diversity of people and viewpoints that make up our community. We select participants to ensure balanced representation from business, education, government and the non-profit sectors.

Practical experience plays a key role in the learning process and provides participants numerous opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills. Participants are continually exposed to current regional issues as a context for skill-building. We invite participants to deal with real issues as they unfold, to participate in discussions and debates with active leaders, and to work with team members in devising solutions to current problems.

The program is built on the following components.

It begins with a three day Opening Retreat. Focused on the foundation of leadership, teamwork, and network development, the weekend enables participants to move quickly into a hands-on, participatory exploration of how the community really works.

Following the retreat, participants learn through monthly Community Learning Days that are designed to explore specific situations and leadership challenges in the Greater Victoria community.

As the program develops, participants engage in exciting Community Action Projects, working in teams with current community leaders and organizations, devising solutions for real-world challenges — learning by doing and building on the learning blocks of the program.  

And finally, throughout the course, participants work individually with their selected mentors, knowledgeable leaders who volunteer to provide their personal support and guidance to Victoria's new generation of leaders.

Our curriculum is progressive. Each year it is enhanced to meet emerging needs. 

Program Costs and Tuition Bursaries

  Tuition:

The tuition fee is $3000 for the 9 month experiential learning program.  

As a special incentive for employers, we offer two spots for a reduced total of $5000.  The second spot   may be used in three ways:

• For a second learner from your organization

• For a bursary learner from a community organization of your choice

• For a bursary learner from a meritorious list we have compiled of learners

  Sponsorships:

There are 9 themed Community Learning Days (CLD), where learners come together with established community leaders, role models, and educators. These days are held in venues throughout Greater Victoria depending on the day’s theme.

The cost to sponsor a day is $1,000 with costs covered to include meals, resources for the day and venue costs.    We invite CLD sponsors to display banners, to hand out materials, and to speak to the learners to kick off the program.