Leadership Programs
Leadership Oak Ridge is one of the longest continually-operating community leadership programs in the country. With more than 1,000 graduates since it began in the mid-1980’s. Leadership Oak Ridge informs, educates and introduces Oak Ridge to participants in a way no other community program can to benefit the individual, their community and employer. Youth Leadership is an additional program, in partnership with Oak Ridge Schools, to engage students.
Leadership Oak Ridge
The program features full-day sessions, two overnight trips, a class project, out-of-class assignments, and a graduation celebration at the end of the program year. Participants learn about the issues and are challenged to discover how they can get involved and make a difference in their community and/or work. Chuck Carringer will continue as the Leadership Oak Ridge program director for a sixth year, and his background and experience alone are a tremendous asset to the program.
Tuition for the program is $2000 per person. Millennium Partners receive discounts based on the membership level. A small number of scholarships are available (50% off tuition) based on need, and are awarded by the Leadership Advisory committee. Only those applicants who meet the application deadline are considered for scholarship awards.
2026-27 Class Schedule (Subject to Change | Classes 8AM - 5PM)
August 11, 2026 - Welcome Reception | 5-6:30PM
August 18, 2026 - Opening Class
September 10 & 11, 2026 - Chattanooga Overnight Retreat
October 13, 2026
November 17, 2026
No Class in December
January 12, 2027
February 9, 2027
March 1 & 2, 2027 Nashville Legislative Overnight Trip
April 13, 2027
May 11, 2027 - Final Class
May 18, 2027- Graduation Luncheon at Doubletree by Hilton (11:30-1PM)
Applications for the 2026-2027 Leadership Oak Ridge are now open. You should receive a follow-up email and invoice in July.
Mission Statement
To inform current, potential, and emerging leaders about Oak Ridge and its issues, and provide them leadership skills development in order to empower them to identify and implement solutions to those community issues.
Congratulations 2027 Leadership Oak Ridge Graduates
What is Youth Leadership Oak Ridge?
Youth Leadership Oak Ridge is a year-long program focused on cultivating and fostering leadership traits for students at Oak Ridge High School. The goal is to encourage participants to extend their leadership skills into their high school community and beyond as they approach college, apprenticeships, internships, and future careers.
Participants are first nominated by teachers, coaches, administrators, or community members before going through the interview and selection process. The program is limited to 25-30 students to ensure each participant receives personalized attention in a setting that maximizes opportunities for connection and growth.
Selection officials look beyond GPA to ensure this is a program that identifies current and potential leaders beyond just the classroom – you will see students who have shown leadership traits in everything from sports to clubs, band, choir, drama, and cheer.
The curriculum is divided into four primary leadership segments that each cover a quarter of the school year – personal development, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and government.
For more information about this program, contact Naomi Asher at naomi@themavenllc.com or the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce at events@orcc.org.
Thank you to our 2026-2027 session sponsors!
Leadership Oak Ridge Alumni Information
Stay connected with your Leadership Oak Ridge classmates and be a part of the collective impact of Leadership Oak Ridge. Alumni membership helps us build on existing relationships and create new connections with leaders who care about the future of this great community. Annual Alumni events help keep you engaged and provide opportunities to meet former and future graduates. Your investment helps pay it forward for future leaders who will come after you. Membership is $50 annually.
To apply, please fill out this application form below. Upon acceptance of your application, you will be added to our email distribution list for exclusive invites and invoiced for your membership. Payment links can be found on your invoice.
Center for Leadership and Community Development (CLCD) Board
Laurie Craig
Teresa Duncan
Tamara Fleischhaker
Kristin Robertucci
Michael Russell
