Emerging Leaders Selection Process

We invite you to apply to join our next class of Emerging Leaders in discovering how to think globally and lead locally.

Class of 2026 Applications

Applications for the class of 2026 will open July 10, 2025, and close September 10, 2025.
A collage of headshots on a blue background
Meet the Current Class For one year, 20 of Chicago's best and brightest from some of the city’s most prominent organizations are engaging in a rigorous program to further their knowledge of US foreign policy and global affairs and strengthen their leadership skills.
See the class of 2025 roster

How to Apply

Applications for the Class of 2026 will open in summer 2025. Sign-up to receive updates on this year's program and be alerted when applications open.

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This Year's Selection Timeline

  • Mid to late September 2025: Application evaluation by a selection committee composed of Council leadership members, Emerging Leaders alumni, and Emerging Leaders program staff
  • Early October 2025: Candidates selected for interviews will be notified
    • These candidates will also be asked to confirm the participation fee, employer sponsorship, and candidate commitments
  • Mid-October 2025: Interviews with subgroups of the selection committee
    • Interviews will last 20 to 30 minutes and take place virtually.
  • Early November 2025: Candidates will be notified
A black and white photo of people walking in front of the US Capitol

Members of the class of 2022 walk in front of the US Capitol during a trip to Washington, DC.

A woman speaks into a microphone during a meeting

Members of the class of 2022 discuss the program during their orientation meeting.

Who We're Looking For

Successful applicants typically:

  • Are between 30 and 45 years old
  • Live and work in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, including Northwest Indiana, with long-term intentions to remain in Chicago

Ideally, you will demonstrate:

  • Ambition and drive—You should be highly accomplished in your career and expect to rise to the top of your field in the next 10 years.
  • Enthusiasm for global affairs—You demonstrate a strong professional and/or personal interest in global issues, trends, and events.
  • Community engagement—You are active in your community and committed to working on issues that will have a positive impact on Chicago as a global city. 
  • Diverse experiences and perspectives—You convey well your diverse contribution to the Emerging Leaders community, not only in personal and professional backgrounds but also in intellectual and political perspectives.

We expect that you will be:

  • Committed to the Emerging Leaders program
    • Participants agree to be active cohort members, meeting on the first Friday (2 to 5 pm CST) and third Wednesday (5 to 8 pm CST) of each month.
      • Meetings for the class of 2026 will be in person, barring unforeseen circumstances.
      • Participants commit to attending sessions in person.
      • Employers must be supportive of the time commitment.
      • On average, participants commit three hours weekly to the Emerging Leaders program.
    • Participants complete an end-of-year project on a key issue within the Emerging Leaders curriculum. Design and execution support will be provided.
    • Participants join their cohort for a welcome retreat and trip to Washington, DC.
    • Mandatory program dates for the Class of 2026 are listed below.
  • Invested in the Emerging Leaders program
    • Participants and their organizations share the costs of participating in the program with the Council. See FAQs below.
    • Participants become active members of the broader Emerging Leaders community, continuing their involvement by contributing to events, committees, and other engagement opportunities.
  • Invested in the Council
    • Participants attend Council events during and after their participation in the program.
    • Participants continue to financially support the work of the Council with personally significant annual donations.

EL Class of 2026 Program Dates

  • EL Class of 2026 Orientation and Welcome Reception: December 2025, date TBD
  • Retreat: January 30-31, 2026
  • One Friday of each month, beginning February 13, 2026
    • 2026: February 13, March 13, April 10, June 12, September 4, October 2, and November 6
  • One Wednesday of each month, beginning February 25, 2025
    • 2026: February 25, March 25, April 22, May 20, June 24, September 16, October 14, and November 18
  • Summer sessions: July 15 and August 12, 2026
  • Washington, DC Trip Briefing: Week of April 27, 2026
  • Washington, DC Trip: May 3-5, 2026

Financial Commitment FAQ

The Council is committed to investing in globally minded leaders in the Chicagoland area, as demonstrated by its investment in the program since 2008.

For the Class of 2025, the participation fee is:

  • $20,000 for corporate sector participants
  • $12,000 for entrepreneurs and those who work for small businesses with annual operating budgets of $5 million or less
  • $6,000 for academic, nonprofit, and public sector participants

Additionally, each Emerging Leader must make an individual $500 contribution. 

Emerging Leaders are expected to cover some meals and their flight for two days of meetings in Washington, DC in 2025. Additionally, Emerging Leaders individually continue their engagement with the Council and maintain active membership at the President's Club level after the completion of their program year.

Payment of the participation fee is due before January 1, 2025, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Installment payments may be available, with full payment of participation fees due by April 19, 2025.

Once you have been selected to the program you can work with the Emerging Leaders Program staff to arrange for installment payments of your participation fee if needed.

Yes, a third party can pay for participation fees. Please note that payments would typically not qualify as a charitable contribution. Please consult a tax advisor for guidance. Please note that places in the Emerging Leaders class are nontransferable.

Do you want to articulate the benefits of the EL program to your organization's decision-makers? Download a sample letter to request their support.

A very limited number of scholarships are available thanks to generous donors to the Emerging Leaders Program. These scholarships support candidates who do not work in the private sector and who would not be able to participate in the program due to financial needs.

All Emerging Leaders candidates are chosen based on the candidate criteria. The expectation is that the participation fee will be paid either by the candidate’s employer or by the candidate. Limited scholarship support is available to a small number of candidates. Regardless of scholarship support, candidates must make an individual financial contribution of $500 in addition to their participation fee.