Leadership St. Johns Class of 2027 Application

Leadership St. Johns, a program of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, accelerates the development of leadership skills for business, government and community professionals by building relationships and enhancing their knowledge of St. Johns County. The nine-month program provides in-depth education and experiences in many aspects of the community, including business, government, education, social services, public safety, tourism, law enforcement, art, culture, agriculture and the environment.

Participants at all levels of career advancement establish themselves as key players in the county's business landscape as they make connections with a diverse group of civic, business and community leaders, professionals and advocates to build a powerful network. 

Applicants selected for LSJ are expected to attend and actively participate in all program activities, including: 

  • A two-day kick-off retreat (St. Augustine)
  • Monthly program days (typically 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
  • Class project
  • Final program wrap-up  
  • Graduation dinner

2027 LSJ Program Dates

Friday-Saturday, Jan. 15-16 - Retreat weekend, St. Augustine
Thursday, Jan. 28 - Social Services Day
Thursday, Feb. 25 - First Responder Day
Thursday, March 25 - Education Day
Thursday, April 29 - Agriculture & Environmental Day
Thursday, May 27 - Law Enforcement Day
Thursday, June 24 - Healthcare Day & Class Project Work
Thursday, July 29 - Government & Business Day
Thursday, Aug. 26 - Tourism & Culture Day
Thursday, Sept. 9 - Graduation

* Dates are subject to change. Any schedule changes will be shared with participants as soon as possible. Participants who cannot attend a session due to reschedule may have the option to attend that session the following year.

2026-27 tuition: $3,450

Tuition payments must be received prior to the kick-off retreat in January. Partial scholarships are available. To be considered for a scholarship, complete the corresponding section of the application.

This application consists of several sections, including essay questions. Please carefully complete each section.

  1. Your information
  2. Education & employer information
  3. Community involvement
  4. Essay questions
  5. Participant details
  6. Agreements
Fields marked with an * are required.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

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Your Information

she/her
he/him
they/them

Yes
No

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Education & Work Information

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Community Involvement

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Essay Questions
Please answer the following questions in a short essay.

Describe what you feel are the three most pressing issues facing St. Johns County today.

Pick one of the issues you described above to answer the following questions:

  • What actions or changes would you like to see on this issue in the next five years?
  • If you were the person in charge of making these changes, what would you do?

What leadership skills or traits do you possess that contribute to your ability to lead others? What skills would you like to further develop?

Please explain what you hope to gain from LSJ and how you will use your experience.

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Participant Details
The following questions do not determine eligibility but help the program development team ensure the best experience for all participants.

A limited number of partial, need-based scholarships are available.

I would like to be considered for a partial scholarship for Class of 2026.

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Agreements

All participants are expected to actively participate in the program sessions and to demonstrate personal and professional courtesy and civility in class discussions. The use of cell phones during tours and presentations is specifically discouraged. Breaks will occur during the program day and offer appropriate opportunity for participants to check messages or respond to urgent business needs. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Foundation reserves the right to terminate an individual's participation in the program should circumstances arise necessitating such action.

I have read and agree to the terms of participation.

No refunds of tuition will be issued. If a participant must withdraw from the program or is otherwise unable to complete the full program year, they may be offered the option of completing a program day or days during the following program year.

I have read and agree to the refund policy.

By typing your name below, you are affirming that the information provided in this application is accurate and truthful and that you agree to the terms of the Leadership St. Johns program.