Introduction:

Please read the following information regarding program purpose, class dates, program objectives, program information, instructions/selection and selection criteria here before completing the application form below. 

Instructions/Selection:

Applications must be submitted online through the Chamber’s website, Cabarrus.biz. One letter of recommendation is required, and the person submitting it must email it to Barbi Jones at bjones@cabarrus.biz with the applicant’s name and Leadership Cabarrus in the subject line.

Applicants who thoroughly answer questions have been the most successful getting accepted into the program. Limit answers to the word-count provided.

This year, all applicants will be interviewed individually by a panel from the Leadership Cabarrus Steering Committee. Once applications have been received, applicants will be contacted to schedule their interview time. The combination of strength of application and interview will determine class acceptance. This year’s class will be smaller than past years, and Chamber members are always given priority placement and consideration.

Selected applicants will receive an acceptance notification by the end of July. Tuition for Leadership Cabarrus is $1250 and must be received by August 15, 2025. Non-Chamber member tuition payment is $1750 subject to availability.

Review the tentative class schedule below and ensure you can commit to attend with the time requirements, should you be accepted to participate in the program. All program days are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Class members may miss a total of eight hours for the program. Sickness is an excused absence.

*Tentative Leadership Cabarrus, Class of 2026 Schedule:

·       August 20 – New Class Mixer (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

·       August 27 - Orientation (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

·       September 16 - History of Cabarrus County 

·       October 21 - Local Government 

·       November 18 - Law Enforcement and the Courts 

·       December 16 - Economic Development 

·       January 20 - Communications and the Media 

·       February 17 - Education and Workforce Development 

·       March 17 - Health and Human Services 

·       April 14 - Tourism and Sports 

·       May 19 - Quality of Life 

 *Dates for 2026 are firm; program content may vary.

Helpful tips for using this online form: Type your answer for each question in a Word Document or Notepad first and copy/paste them into the online form when you are ready. In the event of technical difficulty, having this back up means you will not have to start from scratch! After you hit the submit button at the bottom of the form, please make sure you see a “Thank You page” acknowledging your submission. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for this form.

Selection Criteria:

• The Leadership Cabarrus class will be selected on following criteria (Chamber members receive priority consideration.)

• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals.

• Demonstrated personal commitment to the Cabarrus County and community in general.

• A commitment to the time required by the program.

• A commitment to be a responsible and engaged participant, including the class project.

• Announced candidates for public office may not “campaign” and/or use class time to promote their candidacy in any way.

Leadership Cabarrus is a competitive program and submission of an application does not guarantee placement. All applications are reviewed by the Leadership Cabarrus Steering Committee, comprised of program alumni who work closely with the program to continually update the days to make sure they are relevant and meaningful. Applications must be received by Friday, June 27, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Applicant Information:

Employment History: 

Please answer the following essay questions in complete sentences staying within the allowed character count. Each question has a maximum of 1500 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Please note that our system uses character count, not word count. Double check that your full answers are inputted when pasting from an external document. We are looking for your original thoughts; do not use AI. 

Community Involvement and Activities:

Vision and Perspective:

Letter of Reference:

Each applicant must submit one letter of recommendation. Please ask the person writing your letter to email it directly to Barbi Jones at bjones@cabarrus.biz and include your name and Leadership Cabarrus in the subject line.

Statement of Commitment:

Leadership Cabarrus is a fun, exciting and fulfilling program, but for everyone’s benefit and enjoyment, please read the conditions below, check the box next to each condition with your acknowledgement and sign on the digital signature pad:

I understand the objective and commitments of the Leadership Cabarrus program. If selected, I will devote the time necessary to successfully complete the program, according to the specific requirements, as well as participate in the class project. I understand tuition is due by August 15, 2025, paid in full.