Cedar Valley Leadership Institute - Application Form

Community Leadership

For over 40 years, Cedar Valley Leadership Institute (CVLI) has helped people build a deeper connection to the Cedar Valley through firsthand experiences, local conversations, and community engagement. Participants explore the people, organizations, industries, and issues shaping our region while discovering ways they can get involved and make a lasting impact.

Community Engagement

As a participant, you’ll gain a stronger understanding of how the Cedar Valley works, from local industries and nonprofits to education, healthcare, government, and community initiatives. Through conversations, experiences, and hands-on learning, you’ll build relationships across the region and discover opportunities to get involved.

Why Choose CVLI?

CVLI offers a unique opportunity at an inside look at the Cedar Valley through immersive experiences and direct access to local leaders, organizations, and community conversations. Along the way, participants develop a greater understanding of local challenges, opportunities, and the role engaged residents play in shaping the future of the region.

• Identify programs, projects, and community leadership opportunities that many residents never realize exist in the Cedar Valley

• Gain a broader understanding of the industries, systems, and partnerships that shape the region

• Learn how local decisions impact businesses, neighborhoods, education, housing, healthcare, and quality of life

• Build relationships with professionals and community leaders from across the Cedar Valley

• Experience the Cedar Valley through behind-the-scenes tours, conversations, and interactive sessions

• Gain firsthand exposure to challenges and opportunities facing the region today

• Strengthen the skills, perspective, and connections needed to become an engaged community leader and advocate for the Cedar Valley 

Program Fee & Schedule

$2,350 Grow Cedar Valley Investor Price

$2,850 Non-Investor Price

Invoices will be issued directly to applicant upon acceptance into CVLI. Tuition includes materials, books, online assessments, meals, snacks and other expenses associated with the program.

• CVLI sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October through May. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review their schedule and confirm availability prior to applying.

• Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions from beginning to end, including the mandatory October opening session and dinner/networking event held the evening prior, as well as graduation.

Application Process & Deadline

All application materials must be submitted by Friday, July 17, 2026. Before starting the application, please note that the online application cannot be saved and returned to later. We recommend gathering all required materials before beginning.

To Complete Your Application

Step 1

Complete and submit the online CVLI application, which includes applicant information, the Attendance & Participation Commitment, and essay questions. Because the application cannot be saved and returned to later, applicants are encouraged to review the essay questions and prepare their responses prior to beginning the application.

Essay Questions (500 words or less):

• In your opinion, what are the two or three most important opportunities or challenges facing the Cedar Valley? 

• Why do you want to participate in this community leadership program, and how do you hope it will help you grow as a leader and community member? 

• What does a strong and connected community look like to you, and what role do you believe community leaders play in shaping it? 

Step 2

Please ask your employer/supervisor to complete and submit the CVLI - Employer Form no later than Friday, July 17, 2026.


**Applications will only be considered complete once both forms have been completed.**

Fields marked with an * are required.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

Page 1/4

Personal Information

Business Information

Page 2/4

Attendance & Participation Guidelines

Participation and engagement are an important part of the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute (CVLI) experience. CVLI is designed to be interactive, relationship-focused, and immersive. Being fully present helps participants gain the most value from the program while also contributing to the experience of the class as a whole.

  • Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions from beginning to end, including the opening dinner/networking event and graduation.
  • The October opening session is mandatory, including the dinner/networking event held the evening prior to the session.
  • CVLI sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October through May. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full program schedule and confirm availability before applying for the program.
  • Participation in CVLI is a commitment made by both the participant and their employer. Participants should reserve all session dates on their personal and professional calendars and communicate those commitments internally as needed.
  • In addition to attending sessions, participants will be expected to complete three program electives and participate in a community project with their assigned team during the program year.
  • Absences are allowed only in extreme circumstances such as illness, family emergencies, hazardous weather conditions, or other situations outside of a participant’s control.
  • While we understand that unexpected situations may arise, attendance is an important part of the program experience. Missing more than one full session, or more than two portions of sessions (late arrivals, early departures, extended absences, etc.), may result in a participant being unable to successfully complete the program.
  • If a participant must miss all or part of a session, they should notify CVLI program staff as soon as possible.
  • Participants are encouraged to be fully engaged during sessions. Cell phones should be silenced, and work distractions should be kept to a minimum. Laptops and tablets may be used for notetaking or session-related activities.
  • Because much of the value of CVLI comes from in-person interaction and relationship-building, all sessions are designed for in-person participation only. Virtual attendance will not be available.
  • The safety and well-being of participants is a priority. If weather, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances impact a session, program staff will communicate any schedule adjustments as early as possible.


I acknowledge that I have read and understand the CVLI Attendance & Participation Guidelines and recognize the importance of full participation throughout the program year. I understand that participation in CVLI is a commitment made by both the participant and their employer.

Yes, I have read and agree to the CVLI Attendance & Participation Guidelines.

Page 3/4

Essay Question

Please respond to the following essay questions in 500 words or less total. We encourage you to answer thoughtfully and share your personal perspectives, experiences, and interest in community leadership. Your responses help us better understand your goals, passions, and connection to the Cedar Valley.

• In your opinion, what are the two or three most important opportunities or challenges facing the Cedar Valley?
• Why do you want to participate in this community leadership program, and how do you hope it will help you grow as a leader and community member?
• What does a strong and connected community look like to you, and what role do you believe community leaders play in shaping it?

Page 4/4

Employer Reference Requirement

Please send the Employer Form link below to your employer/supervisor to complete on your behalf. The reference form must be submitted by Friday, July 17, 2026, in order for your CVLI application to be considered complete.

CVLI - Employer Form

Yes, I have shared the Employer Form with my employer/supervisor and understand that my application will not be considered complete until their reference form has been submitted.