Program

Leadership Thurston County (LTC) is a community driven, experience based leadership development program. Each year's class consists of a maximum of 48 participants who come from private businesses, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and as interested community members. 

Through a combination of hands-on learning, mentorship, and community involvement, participants will gain practical insights and real-world experience across various industries.

LTC runs from September through June and includes an opening and closing retreat, monthly daylong sessions called Challenge Days, and individual and group projects that are completed outside of class time. The curriculum is carefully designed to reflect the interrelationships of issues and to develop knowledge of community leadership.  

Each monthly Challenge Day focuses on a different topic each month and include Equity Day, Business and Economic Development Day, Government Day, Education Day, Health and Human Services Day, Law & Justice Day, Arts & Culture Day, and Environment Day. Topics are explored through presentations, panels, small group discussion, site visits (field trips), and homework. Participants gain insight into how community decisions are made, who makes them and what alters and influences these decisions.

Program Benefits

Through LTC, the community gains a knowledgeable, motivated pool of potential executives, directors, managers, public officials and volunteers. Participants learn about local issues, explore ways to get involved and make life-long friends and professional connections.