Leadership St. Joseph
Building the skills of individuals to be effective leaders in the community since 1982
Leadership St. Joseph, a program of United Way of Greater St. Joseph, is a year-long leadership development program designed for individuals who live or work in the St. Joseph, Missouri area.
Since 1982, Leadership St. Joseph has helped develop informed, connected and engaged community leaders. More than 1,000 participants have graduated from the program, with alumni serving as leaders in businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, government, community organizations and volunteer boards throughout the region.
Applications Open for the Class of 2027
United Way of Greater St. Joseph is now accepting applications for the Leadership St. Joseph Class of 2027, the program’s 45th class.
Leadership St. Joseph provides participants with opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the community they live and work in. Through immersive learning experiences, participants connect with local leaders, visit organizations throughout the community and explore the opportunities, challenges and critical issues affecting the St. Joseph area.
Applications should be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Class size is limited. Applicants should reside and/or work in the St. Joseph area.
Tuition: $1,850 per participant and is non-refundable.
About the Program
Throughout the year, Leadership St. Joseph participants explore the people, organizations and systems that help shape our community. Program topics include:
- Education
- Health
- Business
- Arts and culture
- Social services
- Local government
- Community history
Monthly sessions combine firsthand experiences, conversations with community leaders, site visits and collaborative learning opportunities. Participants gain greater awareness of local resources and organizations while learning more about the issues and opportunities facing Northwest Missouri and the greater St. Joseph area.
The experience is designed not only to build individual leadership skills, but also to encourage participants to become more informed, involved and connected members of the community.
2027 Program Schedule
The Class of 2027 begins with a required two-day opening retreat on January 14–15, 2027.
Following the opening retreat, the class meets during business hours each month:
February 11 • March 11 • April 8 • May 13 • June 10 • July 8 • August 12 • September 9 • October 14 • November 10 • December 9
Participants are expected to commit to the full Leadership St. Joseph experience, including the opening retreat and monthly class sessions.
Build Connections. Make an Impact.
Leadership St. Joseph allows participants to experience their community from a new perspective while building relationships with others who share a commitment to the St. Joseph area.
Participants graduate with:
- Stronger leadership and communication skills
- A deeper understanding of the St. Joseph community
- Greater awareness of local organizations, resources and community issues
- Meaningful connections with local leaders and fellow participants
- Access to a network of more than 1,000 Leadership St. Joseph alumni
Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
Leadership St. Joseph is supported by a dedicated volunteer steering committee that works alongside United Way staff to help ensure the continued success of the program.
Committee members help shape program content, support participants and strengthen connections between Leadership St. Joseph and the community.