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NLC Institute – Frequently Asked Questions
The New Leaders Council (NLC) Institute is the premier political entrepreneurship training program for progressive young professionals.
- How do I apply for the NLC Institute in San Diego?
- What is the NLC Institute?
- Does the NLC Institute cost money?
- What are you looking for in NLC Fellows?
- How are Fellows selected?
- What do Fellows go on to do?
- Who runs NLC Institute in San Diego?
- When will the Institute sessions be?
How do I apply for the NLC Institute in San Diego?
Applications will be available online at sdleadership.org/apply after Labor Day each year. You can be the first to know when applications are posted by signing up for our local email list.
You can also nominate someone for the NLC Institute at sdleadership.org/apply.
The NLC Institute is a program that equips Fellows with the skills, opportunities, and relationships to make change in San Diego.
The training programs focuses on a core curriculum of personal leadership development, entrepreneurship, communications, fund raising, political strategy, traditional and new media, and public speaking. The Fellows also organize a fundraiser to put into practice their organizing skills, and to help fund the next year’s class.
The NLC Institute spans 10 full days on weekends between January and June, usually on Saturdays.
The program is designed to provide Fellows with the tools they need to take the next step in their careers. The training program is relevant to Fellows who work inside and outside of politics, with an emphasis on preparing young people to be engaged in civic life throughout their careers.
Heavy emphasis is placed on teamwork.
Fellows spend time meeting with local and national leaders.
Fellows are paired with career mentors.
Does the NLC Institute cost money?
The NLC Institute is free to ensure that socioeconomic status is not a barrier to participation.
Fellows who are admitted to the NLC Institute pay a $200 deposit. Fellows who graduate from the program receive their deposit back.
What are you looking for in NLC Fellows?
We are looking for progressive young professionals who are committed to improving San Diego.
The NLC Institute attracts accomplished young people who have distinguished themselves. Fellows have created an organization or business, led an organization to distinction, or demonstrated an ability to create change by realizing a vision and compelling others to follow it.
Usually, our Fellows are between the ages of 22 and 35. Generally, Fellows have either completed their education, or they are currently enrolled in a graduate or professional program. A college degree is not required.
Each year, we select between 15-20 Fellows.
Diversity: Fellows represent the diversity of the progressive movement in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, income, and industry. The SDLA places a high priority on diversity.
Cross-Section of Society: Fellows don’t just come from the world of politics and government. NLC Fellows are recruited from fields like defense, technology, non-profit management, law, real estate, medicine, media, small business, and education.
Applicants are scored on the basis of written applications. A subset of applicants are invited for a second round of consideration which includes an interview.
A committee reviews applications and interviews candidates. Selections committee members do not score applications or interview candidates with whom they have a personal preexisting relationship.
The Fellows class is chosen to ensure a diverse group of participants, including diversity of race, gender, sexual identity, occupation, goals, and background.
Written applications are available usually between Labor Day and mid-November. Interviews are scheduled in early December, usually on a Saturday.
Applicants are notified if they have been selected as an NLC Fellow in mid-December.
Many Fellows use the network and experience they gained from the NLC Institute to change careers, serve on local boards and commissions, or take on other leadership roles in their community.
The NLC alumni community in San Diego has relationships with a broad spectrum of key employers and progressive stakeholders in the region. The NLC is also a national organization, with alumni and networks in cities across the country.
Who runs NLC Institute in San Diego?
The NLC Institute in San Diego is hosted by the San Diego Leadership Alliance (SDLA), a local nonprofit. The SDLA is run by volunteers with a commitment to a progressive future for San Diego.
All of the funds raised by the SDLA are used to fund local programming.
The New Leaders Council is a national nonprofit that operates different leadership development chapters across the country.
When will the Institute sessions be?
Institute sessions are scheduled for 10 days from January through June. The sessions are usually on Saturdays.
For 2013, the NLC Institute will be on the following days:
- SESSIONS 1 & 2. Saturday & Sunday, January 26 & 27: Entrepreneurial Life Program/Fellows Retreat.
- SESSION 3. Saturday, February 9: Progressive Values, Political Landscape & Public Policy, Part 1.
- SESSION 4. Saturday, February 23: Public Speaking.
- SESSION 5. Saturday, March 9: Fundraising.
- SESSION 6. Saturday, March 23: Communications: Messaging, Traditional& New Media, Public Relations.
- SESSION 7. Saturday, April 6: Public Policy Part 2.
- SESSION 8. Saturday, April 20: Campaigns 101: Political Marketing.
- SESSION 9. Saturday, May 4: Campaigns 201: Political Management & Organizing.
- SESSION 10. Saturday, May 18: Organizing in Practice.
- SESSION 11. Saturday, June 1: Graduation.