The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber ALX) has announced that applications are now open for Leadership Alexandria, a comprehensive nine-month civic leadership program designed to connect, educate, and inspire both emerging and established community leaders.
The program, running from September 2025 through May 2026, aims to provide participants with the tools and relationships needed to make meaningful impacts in Alexandria and beyond.
Leadership Alexandria offers participants exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Alexandria’s most influential institutions, combining professional development with networking opportunities in a small cohort environment.
“This immersive experience equips participants with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to drive meaningful impact in Alexandria and beyond,” states the Chamber ALX in their announcement. “Through a curated blend of exclusive access, professional development, and peer connection, Leadership Alexandria is your gateway to leadership with purpose.”
The program aims to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of Alexandria’s inner workings through direct engagement with key community leaders.
“Go behind the scenes of Alexandria’s most influential institutions. Engage in candid conversations with elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit executives, public safety experts, and cultural innovators,” the Chamber explains. “Understand how the city works—and how you can help shape its future.”
The curriculum encompasses seven key focus areas: Local and State Government, Economic Development, Arts, Tourism and History, Business and Nonprofit Leadership, Public Safety and Justice, Education, and Environmental Sustainability.
For professional development, the program utilizes the Work of Leaders framework, which is based on seven years of research and development. This approach develops leadership skills through the lens of Vision, Alignment, and Execution, providing participants with a clear path for both personal and professional growth.
The Chamber emphasizes that the program’s intentionally small class size fosters deep connections among participants.
“Due to the small (by design) class size, participants build strong and lasting bonds with their classmates,” notes the Chamber. “Small by design, the cohort fosters deep, lasting relationships among a diverse group of changemakers. Collaborate, learn, and grow with peers who share your commitment to making a difference in Alexandria.”
Classes meet once a month on Fridays for full-day sessions. The 2025-2026 program dates are:
– Friday, September 19, 2025
– Friday, October 17, 2025
– Friday, November 21, 2025
– Friday, December 19, 2025
– Friday, January 16, 2026
– Friday, February 20, 2026
– Friday, March 20, 2026
– Friday, April 17, 2026
– May 2026 (date to be determined) – Regional Leadership Summit
The program cost is $4,500, with payment due by August 15, 2025. For those concerned about the cost, the Chamber encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of financial status. A limited number of partial scholarships are available, though they are not guaranteed. Interested applicants should complete the scholarship section of the application to be considered.
Applications for the Leadership Alexandria program are due by Monday, June 30, 2025.
For more information and to apply, interested individuals can visit the Chamber ALX website at https://thechamberalx.com/program/leadership-alexandria.
