Leadership Oswego County

Leadership Oswego County (LOC) is an annual leadership development program, administered by SUNY Oswego’s Office of Professional Development. LOC prepares a select group of county residents to become the community stewards of the future. This nine-month program explores Oswego County and its resources, community trusteeship, vital issues of today, and visioning for tomorrow.

For over 30 years, key community members mentor participants, sharing the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders. Graduates of the program are better prepared to serve the community in the roles of a board member, citizen, employee or volunteer with organizations that serve Central New York.

OUR MISSION

To educate committed citizens to become a well-informed, engaged, and diverse network of community stewards.

Our Vision

To develop a group of leaders who will apply their collective experiences and skills to broaden our community’s vision and improve the quality of life for all Oswego County residents.

Application Information

Ready to Lead?
Applications are now open for Leadership Oswego County – Class of 2026!
Step into your potential and make an impact in our community.

👉 Apply Now

Criteria

Leadership Oswego County seeks a diverse group of individuals who:

represent a cross section of the county's workforce, volunteer and nonprofit organizations, including business, the professions, education, organized labor, government, the arts, and faith-based, service & community agencies;
are willing to explore our shared humanity; celebrating our differences in age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, income, culture, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability and economic status;
have the potential to contribute to the success of this class;
have leadership qualities and a sincere commitment, motivation and interest in serving the Oswego County community;
are willing and able to commit the time and energy to complete the program;
have a genuine concern for the future of Oswego County and a desire to be personally involved in shaping it;
have potential for advancement to leadership positions within their own organization or in the community;
and have the intention, upon completion of the program, to seek roles on community boards, commissions, key volunteer positions, or public office.

Commitment

The program has several key events and requirements:

The program starts with a kickoff event on the evening of Thursday, September 25, 2025, followed by a full-day conference on Friday, September 26, 2025. Attendance at both events is mandatory.
Starting from October, classes will be held in-person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fourth* Friday of each month through May.
The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in June.
Participants must complete independent reading, self-paced work, and contribute to a class project outside of regular class hours.
Only two excused absences are allowed. Participation and engagement are critical and class members who fail to meet attendance requirements will be asked to withdraw from the program.

*Due to holidays in-person classes will be held on the third Friday in the months of November, December, and May.

Scheduled Activities

Exact dates of activities are subject to change.

Kickoff Ceremony: Thursday, September 25th, 5:30-8 p.m.
Opening Conference: Friday, September 26th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Human Needs Day: Friday, October 24th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Government Day: Friday, November 21st, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Discovering Your North Star: Friday, December 19th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Communications Day: Friday, January 23rd, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Non Profit Boards Day: Friday, February 27th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Community Workforce Economic Development Day: Friday, March 27th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Education Day: Friday April 24th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bus Tour: Friday, May 15th, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Reflection Day: Friday, May 29th, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Graduation Brunch: Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuition and Payment

Business Rate: $1200 | Non-Profit Rate: $700

Tuition for the LOC program includes:

A full-day in-person conference in September
In-person classes running October-May
Lunch and snacks provided during classes
A bus tour of Oswego County
Graduation brunch in June

For payments regarding Class of 2026 - please reach out to [email protected]