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Bergen LEADS

A Leadership Development and Civic Engagement Program
for Bergen County's Next Generation of Change-Makers

Why Join Bergen LEADS?

Bergen LEADS is an immersive leadership development and civic engagement program designed to challenge and inspire. Through hands-on projects, exclusive site visits, and meaningful dialogue, you will gain a deeper understanding of your leadership style, expand your professional network, and create a lasting impact on your community. Invest in your future—apply today!
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  • Self-Discovery: Identify your unique leadership strengths and communication style.

  • Community Insight: Gain a "behind-the-scenes" look at the organizations fueling Bergen County.

  • Strategic Networking: Build lasting connections with private, public, and nonprofit sector leaders.

  • Skill Mastery: Refine the executive skills necessary to lead in today’s complex environment.​

The Cirriculum

The program consists of six full-day sessions held on select weekdays between September and May, culminating in a graduation ceremony in June. Each session is a deep dive into Bergen County's infrastructure and into your own professional growth.

Community Deep Dives

  • Education

  • Workforce Development

  • Government

  • Economic Development

  • Healthcare

  • Nonprofits

  • Environment & Infrastructure

  • Corporate Social Responsibility

Executive Coaching & Training

  • Personality Profiles

  • Self-Awareness

  • High-Level Time Management

  • Public Speaking

  • Presentation Skills

  • Networking Strategies

  • Strategic Communication

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Your Commitment

We seek dedicated individuals ready to engage fully with the curriculum and the Bergen County community.

  • Attendance: Participants must attend each full-day session and the June graduation ceremony. Please ensure you have an arrangement with your employer to attend during business hours.

  • Ongoing Engagement: Participants are expected to remain engaged with Bergen Volunteers beyond their LEADS year in ways that fit their interests, availability, and life circumstances. Continued involvement may look different for each person and can evolve over time.

  • Tuition: The program fee is $3,000, which covers the costs of speaker fees, class materials, site visits, light breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

    • Payment Plan: Three equal installments due June 30, September 30, and December 31.

    • Policy: Tuition is non-refundable and may be paid by the individual or a sponsoring employer. If your employer is sponsoring your enrollment, you are responsible for ensuring communication between your employer and the
      Bergen Volunteers office.

Ready to Lead in Bergen County?
Join the Network of over 400 Bergen LEADS Alumni Who Are Driving Change in Our Community.

​​​​​​Our application and selection process:

  1. Review: An alumni panel reviews applications on a rolling basis.

  2. Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview to discuss their dedication to community leadership.

  3. Acceptance: Successful applicants will receive an official invitation. Your first payment of $1000 is required by June 30th in order to secure your seat for the September launch.

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For Questions, Please Email lhallinan@bergenvolunteers.org

Anti-Discrimination and Confidentiality Policies

Bergen Volunteers respects the confidentiality and individual rights of privacy of all Bergen LEADS applicants. â€‹

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Bergen LEADS does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, affectional or sexual orientation, marital or familial status, income, disability, or liability for service in the armed forces of the United States.

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The success of Bergen LEADS hinges on recruiting a diverse class whose members represent a variety of backgrounds, opinions, and experiences. Bergen LEADS is committed to selecting an outstanding class of individuals who are dedicated to Bergen County and who represent the rich diversity of the county through their work, civic activities, and personal qualities.

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