Since 1986, Leadership Greater Washington (LGW) has developed 1,900 executive leaders from DC, Northern Virginia, and Suburban Maryland through its flagship offering, the Signature Program— an intensive 10-month program that exposes professionals to regional civic issues through education, connection, and knowledge sharing.
A Forum for Collaborative Action
The Signature Program provides an opportunity for Greater Washington’s most accomplished leaders to make a collective social impact. Each year, approximately 60 leaders are competitively selected to represent the professional and individual diversity of the Greater Washington region as the LGW Signature Class. Participants hail from a variety of professional sectors including nonprofit, corporate, government, and small- and large-business entrepreneurship.
When leaders join LGW’s 10-month Signature Program, they connect with change makers from a diversity of social, cultural, and professional backgrounds. Together, they forge meaningful relationships, exchange trusted counsel, and cultivate progress from common ground. It’s the beginning of life-long connections with each other, and with LGW where, whether these leaders are tackling affordable housing, public safety, or transportation issues, they can always find great minds uniting for a greater purpose.
Past program days topics have included; diversity, equity and inclusion, education, regionalism, human needs, inclusiveness and belonging, public safety, community health, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
The application is now closed.The deadline to apply was April 16, 2021. The Class of 2023 application will open in January 2022.
Information Sessions
Information Sessions for the Class of 2023 will be held in January 2022. Check back in the fall of 2022 to sign up.
Tuition/Scholarship Details
Tuition:
$7,500
- Covers the cost of monthly program days and overnight retreats
- Includes one ticket to LGW’s anchor events and access to other member events
- Includes access to The Connector, LGW's online member portal
Scholarships:
If you require tuition assistance, you may apply for it towards the end of the online application. Signature Program Scholarship Awards are based on an applicant's needs and the funds available. Every request will receive a confidential, thorough assessment and every effort will be made to be supportive of individuals who cannot otherwise afford the tuition. LGW offers partial financial assistance; awards generally do not exceed 50% of the full tuition amount. A request for tuition assistance does not influence the decision of the Selection Committee.
Through the Signature Program, participants will
Signature Program participants will:
Gain access to LGW’s membership base of 1,900 regional visionary influencers
Build a network of diverse, authentic relationships from all sectors and a variety of industries
Leverage collective knowledge and resources to make the Greater Washington region a more dynamic and collaborative community
Identify community challenges and solutions in the region
Who Should Apply?
Executive-level leaders who wish to leverage their regional influence to make community impact in the Greater Washington region
Ideal Candidate:
Holds a senior title in their organization such as Partner, CEO, Executive Director, SVP, VP, Managing Director or Director
Represents a notable organization in the region
Prominent influencer in their industry, particularly in the area of corporate philanthropy or community relations
Based in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, or Suburban Maryland