By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

You still have time to apply for Leadership St. Joseph.

United Way of Greater St. Joseph President, Kylee Strough, says applications will be accepted through the end of the work day Friday.

“It is to develop leaders within the community and also within their workplaces,” Strough tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, it’s professional development, personal development, and community development and knowledge.”

Leadership St. Joseph began in 1982. It has graduated more than 1,000 participants.

Strough says the United Way wants to keep the classes small, fewer than 30 people.

Stough says Leadership St. Joseph is a rigorous program.

“It is a tuition-based program. We’re looking for a commitment. There is a fee so that we’re not using donor dollars to support the program,” Stough says. “But also, we’re looking for a commitment beyond the fee of time.”

The year-long program kicks off with a two-day retreat in early January. Then, participants meet during business hours on the second Thursday of each month. The tuition is $1,850.

Strough says many businesses sponsor employees they consider ready for a promotion.

“And we want people who are going to lean in at their business, into positions of responsibility and authority, but are also going to share their expertise and talents with the community,” says Stough. “Maybe they want to run for a position like Board of Education. Maybe they want to serve on a board or on a committee or a panel and this will give them some of the tools to be able to do that.”

Applications for the 2026 class of Leadership St. Joseph will be taken until 5pm Friday.

Click HERE for details on Leadership St. Joseph.

You can follow Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ