The Core Program identifies employers current and emerging leaders; provides training on best practices in nonprofit management and board governance; issues-based community orientation; and engagement in community leadership service with nonprofit or community boards or committees. By engaging rising leaders, the program helps retain a broad talent pool from which current and prospective employers may draw, thus contributing to the economic vitality of the Greater Reading community.
Offered from Sept-June annually and designed with the adult learner in mind, the main goals of the program are to: provide opportunities to build leadership skills; expand community leadership networks; teach best practices in nonprofit management and board governance; provide orientation to community assets and challenges; and provide connections to and placement with nonprofit or community boards or committees. Participants receive nearly 400 hours of classroom instruction over the course of the program. As designed, the program leverages classroom time with the skills of participants and instructors to provide over 1800 hours of skilled professional hours back to the community annually—six times more than program instruction alone.
The four main program requirements for each participant, each program cycle:
Class Instruction (400+ hours)
(Sept.-June)
A two-track format for each monthly session: best practices in nonprofit management board governance; and orientation to community issues. (In addition to class sessions below, participants are expected to attend post-session socials or events planned by the alumni council. These dates are made available after the program commences.)
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Orientation Session Overnight Retreat Board 101 & K-12 Education Risk Management & Human Service Reading Financials & Placement Fair Fundraising & Community Econ. Development Board’s Role in Governance Healthcare in Berks The Annual Alumni and Recruitment Social Field Project Presentations & Mock Board Graduation Luncheon & Award Ceremony |
(September-half day) |
*Session topics, locations, etc., may vary.
Field Work Project
(Sept.-May) 200 + hours
Each participant is assigned to a peer team to address a field project benefiting a local nonprofit or community organization. This requirement allows practical field experience and leverages participants interests and skills with the needs and scope of the project. Recent
examples include: feasibility or brand awareness studies, event planning, and
marketing or communication plans.
Committee Assignment
(Feb. June) 20+ hours
Each participant is assigned to work on a Leadership Berks committee with consideration to both participants interests and skills and the needs of the committee in the following areas: event planning, public relations and marketing, alumni relations, fund development, and recruitment of incoming class members.
Placement on a Nonprofit or Community Board or Committee (500 hours)
(Identified prior to completion)
Personalized assistance to secure a minimum one-year nonprofit or community board or committee position.
Benefits of Participation
For Employers- Provides employees with increased organizational, leadership and problem solving skills
- Expands network of professional contacts and builds relationships with key community leaders
- Orients employees to community needs
- Strengthens visibility in the community
- Illustrates commitment to addressing community issues
For Participants
- Creates opportunities for contact with influential leaders
- Provides experiences in group dynamics, individual and team leadership
- Allows experiential learning opportunities for professional and personal growth
- Teaches leadership skills in effective community building and good board governance practices
- Provides knowledge and sensitivity about diverse populations and understanding about community assets/challenges
For Nonprofits and the Community
- Prepares people with good governance practices to serve on boards
- Expands the pool of people sensitive to our growing diverse population
- Produces citizens committed and prepares leaders to address community issues
- Enhances workforce talent pool
- Encourages innovative partnerships between sectors
- Ensures an exceptional local and regional quality of life
Ideal Participant
- Demonstrates a passion to respond to community needs
- Resourceful and innovative
- Inclusive, compassionate and good citizens
- Have a desire for life-long learning
- Exhibit effective interpersonal skills
- Interested in learning about best practices in nonprofit management and board governance
- Willing to assume a nonprofit or community board or committee or board role
Application and Tuition
Applications for the program are accepted year-round. However since the program cycle runs Sept-June annually, the deadline for acceptance into a new cycle is September 15th. Tuition includes all session materials, meals, and overnight retreat accommodations. All participants are listed in printed materials by their sponsor.Corporate, Businesses, Universities or Hospital Rate-$2300
(operating budgets over $500,000)
Individuals or Nonprofits Rate-$1880
(operating budgets under $500,000)