Program Details

Each year, through a competitive application and selection process, 55 current and emerging leaders are invited to participate in LNC’s Core Program.  Program sessions are held monthly from October through May in locations around the state.

The application window for LNC Class 33 (2025-2026) will be open June 1 – June 24, 2025.  A link to the online application will be available on this page while the application is open. Completed applications will be reviewed by our selection committee in July of 2025, and invitations to participate in Class 33 will be extended by early August 2025.

Please explore the links below and the rest of the LNC website to learn more about our program. To receive announcements about the application process and LNC events, complete the Interest Form linked below.

Virtual Information Sessions

For more details about LNC’s Core Program, we encourage you to watch This Recording of a Virtual Info Session for Class 32 (2024-2025). Attendance at an Info Session was not required for you to submit a program application.

Details for Info Sessions leading up to the application period for Class 33 (2025-2026) will be posted here in Spring 2025.

Interest Form for
Future Years

Schedule and Locations

100 County Initiative

Scholarship Opportunities

Selection Criteria

Each Leadership North Carolina class is made up of approximately 55 current and emerging leaders from across the state. Special effort is made to ensure that each class reflects the diversity of the state in terms of age, race, gender, geography, sector of employment, stage of career, and types of civic and community involvement. 

Characteristics of a successful applicant include commitment, motivation, and interest in serving the state; demonstrated voluntary leadership in community affairs; desire and willingness to seek key volunteer and/or appointed leadership roles; an occupational commitment to remain in the state; and long-term commitment to playing a personal role in helping to shape North Carolina’s future.

Participants must have the full support of their employers, with approval for participation in accordance with LNC’s attendance protocols.

Program Fee

The program fee for Class 32 (2024-2025) is $7,000.* This fee covers all programming and session materials and meals during each session. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of each class member. A limited number of partial scholarships are available.

*This is less than half of what it would be without generous corporate, foundation, and individual support.