TROY – Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce announced a call for applicants for The Leadership Institute Class of 2016. The new class will be the eleventh to complete the award-winning program.

“Nearly 85 percent of Leadership alumni have been promoted since graduation from the program and we’re confident the incoming class members will experience the same degree of success as a result of their participation,” said Chamber President Linda Hillman.

The Leadership Institute is celebrating a decade of success with more than 250 alumni after graduating the tenth class this spring. The program offers a “learning from leaders” approach to leadership advancement for Capital Region professionals.

The Leadership Institute is an innovative approach to traditional community-based leadership models.  The program provides the opportunity to develop individuals’ leadership, entrepreneurial insight and team-building skills, while increasing their value within the regional community and their organization. Through interactive panel discussions with senior-level executives from across the region, participants explore six key skill sets necessary for effective leadership.

Sessions are conducted monthly at various locations throughout the Capital Region, including a kick-off retreat at Capital District YMCA Camp Chingachgook in September. Approximately 26 participants will be selected for The Leadership Institute Class of 2016.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 5 p.m. Tuition is $2,100 for Chamber members and $2,600 for future members. Partial scholarship opportunities are available to employees of a 501c (3) nonprofit charitable organization and to an individual employed by a small business (25 or fewer employees) through The Leadership Institute Alumni Scholarship Fund.

Contact Director of Member Engagement & Events Kate Ollier at 518.274.7020 ext. 23, or visit renscochamber.com/leadership-institute for more information and an application.