Connect
Designed specifically to recognize and engage emerging leaders for increased community involvement, personal growth, and professional development. Opportunity to network with peers across business sectors.
Our 23-24 Program Year has begun! Take a look at our Connect 26 Class Directory here!
Our 24-25 Program Year will begin taking applications in November of 2023. If you are interested in applying and would like to be reminded when applications open or if you would like to be contacted by our Connect Program Director with more information, please follow the link below!
Overview
Annual ten-month program designed for emerging leaders who are passionate about our community and ready to fully invest. Connect provides professional development segments, jam-packed program days, and links groups of participants to non-profits and organizations that will benefit from their involvement and perspective.
Participation & Selection
Connect recruits emerging leaders from every sector across greater Huntsville. Class members are selected by a combined committee of Connect graduates, local leaders, Leadership Greater Huntsville Board Members, and Leadership Greater Huntsville staff.
Selection is based on high standards of personal integrity, a record of achievement in community activities, desire to increase community involvement, the ability to set and attain goals, and the commitment of necessary time and effort to complete the program. Connect classes usually include 40-50 participants.
Connect class members are expected to attend all program days. Dates are posted online prior to application and selection.
Connect Class 26
This class will run from August 2023 through May 2024. The program days are as follows:
ORIENTATION
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Friday, August 18, 2023
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Thursday, September 14, 2023
PUBLIC SAFETY
Thursday, October 19, 2023
HUMAN SERVICES
Thursday, November 16, 2023
EDUCATION
Thursday, December 14, 2023
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Thursday, January 18, 2024
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Thursday, February 15, 2024
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Thursday, March 21, 2024
I HEART HUNTSVILLE
Thursday, April 18, 2024
IMPACT RETREAT - *Local*
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Tuition: $3,750
Program Content
Connect runs from August through May with participants meeting one or two times per month, usually between the hours of 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Each Program Day focuses on one area of the overall community. Small-group Initiatives are completed throughout the year to facilitate community engagement and provide an opportunity for class impact and continued investment in greater Huntsville.
"As a graduate and now a volunteer, I have witnessed and experienced how Connect shapes and changes lives. I have seen how ordinary individuals, with a sense of community service and a desire to give back, have realized that they have the power to be change agents in our community. Once that force is unleashed, great things happen and the character and strength of our community continues to be enhanced because of Connect."-David Little, Keel Point, L-30, C-10, I-3