Leadership Lafayette

We live in complex and challenging times. Amid the opportunities of an ever-changing civic landscape, leadership has never mattered more. Participants selected for the Leadership Lafayette program can expect a dynamic experience through an integrated, experiential community leadership program framed around local challenges. These shared experiences transform individuals into a network of leaders to shape our community’s future.

The Leadership Lafayette experience is not a starting point for leadership development, but rather a process for leaders to refine and enhance their commitment to our community. Following graduation, participants will join the Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s network of nearly 1,000 local alumni.

Applications for Leadership Lafayette are currently closed. Class XL Applications should open in the fall of 2026.

What is Leadership Lafayette?

Leadership Lafayette is the flagship program of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana and boasts many of the region’s most distinguished leaders as program graduates. The intensive experience is designed to inform, educate, and connect the emerging and experienced leaders of the Lafayette region to some of our community’s biggest assets, most daunting challenges, and most interesting people.

Leadership Lafayette was started by the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and has graduated over 700 leaders in the past 30 years. The Leadership Institute has since become an independent organization but continues to develop community leaders in partnership with One Acadiana.

What can Leadership Lafayette participants expect?

Graduates leave the program as part of an alumni network of over 700 leaders who are better informed of community history and present-day realities. They also emerge better connected to the people, organizations, and service opportunities that can together, make positive and meaningful changes in the county.

When graduates activate the knowledge and connections gained through Leadership Lafayette, the community and businesses benefit from improved understanding, services, and relationships. Organizations supportive of their staff member’s participation gain additional visibility and recognition as being committed to the improvement of the Lafayette community.

Who is a good fit for Leadership Lafayette?

Leaders within the community who seek to expand and further develop their leadership skills, explore different experiences and points of view, and build relationships with others equally committed to improving the Lafayette community.

In addition, applicants must be willing and able to commit to the mandatory retreat and the time necessary to complete the program.

Leadership Lafayette: Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

How much does it cost?

Tuition for Leadership Lafayette is $2,500.

Selection to Leadership Lafayette is made without regard to an applicant’s financial circumstances. To ensure qualified and diverse representation in the Leadership Lafayette offers financial aid for up to 50% of the tuition cost. Financial aid requests are to be submitted at the time of application.

What are the participation requirements?

Attendance is crucial for class members to have a successful year. To recognize the value and to preserve the integrity of the totality of the Leadership Lafayette experience, graduation is contingent upon participation.

Participants must commit to attending the opening retreat and all scheduled class days. A full list of specific dates is listed under the commitment agreement. Failure to attend class days without a valid reason shall be considered by the Executive Committee as cause to be eliminated from the program.

Attendance at the opening retreat is mandatory. Failure to attend any portion of the opening retreat for any reason, will disqualify a member from participating in the class.

What are some participant expectations?

Leadership Lafayette has become a community institution and boasts many of this area’s most distinguished leaders as graduates. If selected, you can expect an exciting year that exposes you to some of our community’s biggest assets, most daunting challenges, and most interesting people.

Participants should bring an open mind, a commitment to serving Acadiana, and a willingness to listen and learn, regardless of any potential conflicting perspectives.

Participants are asked to contribute to discussions and to allow others the opportunity to contribute. Leadership Lafayette is not a standardized program—each class will undergo a unique experience. Participants should be ready to engage, build camaraderie with classmates, and to embrace new perspectives in a professional manner.

I’m interested in participating, but I don’t know if my employer will support me. What should I do?

Organizations and businesses benefit from your participation in many ways. Leadership Lafayette increases your visibility among diverse groups of people and companies and engages you in our local community, providing new opportunities for both yourself and your employer.

Additionally, full employer support is a requirement of participating in Leadership Lafayette. If needed, you can contact us for a customizable letter to share with your employer about the benefits of participation.

I’m not sure I can afford tuition. Should I still apply?

Yes! Selection to Leadership Lafayette is made without regard to your financial circumstances. If you’re employed, we encourage you to check with your employer to see if they will cover the $2,500 tuition, either in part or full, as an investment in your professional development.

To ensure qualified and diverse representation in the Leadership Lafayette program, financial assistance may be available for those with demonstrated financial need. At this time, LIA offers limited tuition assistance for up to $1,000 of the tuition cost. Tuition assistance requests are to be submitted at the time of application. Tuition assistance requests are considered only after the class selection process is complete and will in no way impact consideration of your Leadership Lafayette application.

How many applications are received for Leadership Lafayette each year?

LIA does not disclose the exact number of applications for any of our programs. Acceptance into Leadership Lafayette is a competitive process as we receive significantly more applications than the allotted spaces. Each year, the number of applications increases, yet the number we can accommodate in the class remains between 32-36 participants. Many Leadership Lafayette participants have applied multiple times before being accepted into their class.

What can I do to strengthen my application?

The most overlooked recommendation to strengthen your application is to have a peer or co-worker review your responses to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward. If you would like to have an alumnus review your application prior to submission, please contact us at info@leadacadiana. We will also offer several application coaching sessions between September and November.

Participating in Intro Lafayette can also strengthen your application. Intro Lafayette is a one-day program designed to jumpstart your involvement in our community.

What happens after my application is submitted?

After the submission deadline, our Selection Committee reviews all completed applications. The timeline of this process depends on the size of the applicant pool. If you are selected, you can expect a phone call and/or email from one of our program coordinators. Applicants that are not selected for the program will be notified via email.

How long is each session / how long should I expect to be away from work?

Typically, Leadership Lafayette sessions are from 8 am to 5 pm. Occasionally, there are sessions that begin earlier or end later. We communicate any changes to the class ahead of the session.

Am I required to attend every session?

Yes, participants accepted into Leadership Lafayette are expected to attend every session. If, after looking at the full program calendar, you have conflicts with the dates, we recommend waiting to apply next year.

How many people are selected to participate?

We typically accept 32-36 participants per yearly class.

How much time is required outside of the scheduled sessions?

Between scheduled sessions, we will coordinate optional tours and meetings and curate readings, videos, etc. for the class. While these are optional, we highly encourage participants to attend in what they can to supplement their program experience.

How should I dress?

Dress for most sessions is business casual. We will communicate if there are exceptions for a certain session (e.g. sometimes closed-toe shoes are required in some facilities; more casual dress is required because of an activity; etc.).

How can I stay involved after graduation?

The best way to stay involved is by investing in community leadership through an LIA alumni membership. We host various networking and educational events throughout the year for members to attend and stay connected with other community leaders.

Leadership Lafayette: Testimonials

Leadership Lafayette gave me more than just connections. It gave me confidence. Each session challenged me to think bigger, listen deeper, and step into leadership in a way that’s authentic to who I am. It changed how I show up, not just in my career, but in my community and personal life too.

As a “relatively” new leader in Acadiana, I applied to Leadership Lafayette hoping to understand the region better. I walked away with a deep appreciation for the challenges we face, but more importantly, the people who are working every day to solve them. The network and insights I gained continue to shape my leadership style at work.

This program helped me connect the dots between my passions and the needs in our community. I met people I would’ve never crossed paths with otherwise, and together we created a project that still has ripple effects today. Leadership Lafayette gave me a seat at the table and the courage to use my voice.

Years later, I still lean on the lessons and relationships I gained through Leadership Lafayette. Whether it’s collaborating with classmates on a nonprofit board or calling a fellow alum for guidance, the value of this experience keeps growing long after graduation.