How to Apply: Advanced Leadership Pathway

Applications for the inaugural Advanced Leadership Pathway Cohort will open on Monday March 1, 2027.

Program Overview

Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and Leadership Washington County (LWC) seek Leadership Hagerstown or Leadership Washington County graduates ready to take their leadership experience to the next level. Nominations are sought from all segments of the community and individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves for the newly created Advanced Leadership Pathway (ALP) program that will begin in October 2027. Participants in the ALP program are required to submit an application and application fee and participate in an in-person interview. The ALP program will accept 10 individuals for its inaugural cohort.  

The ALP program begins in October and concludes in May and will be a combination of in person and virtual learning. The ALP Program’s purpose is to deepen and sustain the leadership growth of LWC graduates by focusing on advanced leadership competencies, system-level thinking, and real-world impact that culminates in a capstone research project that demonstrates applied community leadership.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: To accomplish the objectives of the program, the full participation of each individual is required. Cohort members must be able to comply with the attendance requirements free from personal and professional responsibilities. Attendance at all sessions are mandatory, and the hybrid program model should make this possible. Each cohort member will be required to submit a proposal for a capstone research project that requires both a written component and a presentation to community leaders.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate for the ALP program is a graduate of Leadership Hagerstown or Leadership Washington County and either lives and/or works in Washington County, MD. Interested candidates should closely examine the program dates and ensure that you can attend all sessions. For those who decide to apply, you are committing to being present, open minded, willing to learn, and engaging with your cohort. The ALP program spans eight months and is a mix of in-person and virtual workshops, applied learning projects, executive coaching, and a capstone showcase event.

Advanced Leadership Pathway Sessions 2027-2028

October 22: Module 1 - Reconnecting and Reframing Leadership

November 19: Module 2 - Leading Change and Strategic Impact

December 17: Module 3 - Advanced Public Policy and Advocacy (VIRTUAL)

January 21: Module 4 - Advanced Coaching and Mentoring for Executives

February 18: Module 5 - Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (VIRTUAL)

March 17: Module 6 - Leadership for Digital and Emerging Technology (VIRTUAL)

April 21: Module 7 - Leading with Resilience and Purpose

May ??: Capstone Event - Leadership in Action Showcase

Tuition

Tuition for the 2027-2028 program year is $1,250 and is non-refundable.

Scholarships

Eligibility for scholarship funds depends upon acceptance into the ALP program. Scholarships do not fund 100% of tuition. The balance of the tuition will be the responsibility of the organization and/or the applicant. In addition to the ALP program application, please complete the following:

  • Register as a Hagerstown Community College student

  • Complete the FAFSA (HCC can provide guidance)

Additional documentation or information may be requested.

Application Steps

  • Complete the online ALP application.

  • If you are applying for a scholarship, complete the items above.

  • Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee upon completion of the application via PayPal link (credit cards are accepted via PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to submit the application fee). If you do not pay the application fee at the time of application, you will be required to complete the application again to access the application fee link.

  • By the end of March, you will be contacted to schedule an interview during the first few weeks of April.

  • Notification of acceptance will occur in early May 2027.

  • Tuition payment is due by the end of June. Payment plans are available.

Before Applying

Check your calendar to ensure you do not have any conflicts with the program dates.

Read the attendance policy (above) and make sure you are able to adhere to the policy in order to complete the ALP program. Cohort members whose absences exceed the attendance policy are unable to receive a certificate of completion.

If you are seeking scholarship support for help with tuition, the request for a scholarship must be made at the time of application. All documentation required to be considered for a scholarship must be submitted by the application deadline on March 31, 2027.