How do I apply for Emerging Leaders?

Apply by August 24, 2026 at
CENTRALEXCHANGE.ORG/EL-APPLICATION

Applications are reviewed and approved on a rolling basis, typically within one week of submission. Invoices will be sent to the billing contact listed on the application after acceptance. Payment is due no later than September 30, 2026.

Who belongs in Emerging Leaders?

Women professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their network, or prepare for their next career step.

Participants come from a wide range of industries, roles, and experience levels, including individual contributors, managers, senior leaders, and entrepreneurs.

What is the time commitment?

Emerging Leaders is a year-long program that begins in October and concludes in August. Each cohort meets monthly on a dedicated day of the week for 11 sessions from 8:30–11:30 am Central Time.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is a flat rate of $7,000 and includes the full year of programming and a one-year Central Exchange membership. The rate is the same for in-person and virtual cohorts.

Group Discounts: Organizations enrolling five or more participants receive a $250 discount per participant.

Partner Discounts: Central Exchange’s corporate partner employees automatically receive a $500 discount from the regular rate. Partner companies may also receive additional discounts when they sponsor signature events and/or send multiple participants.

Please contact Mimsy Tallent at mimsy@centralexchange.org with questions or to confirm your company’s available discounts.

Are nonprofit rates available?

Yes! Reduced tuition is available to eligible nonprofit organizations based on prior fiscal year revenue as listed on your Form 990.

Nonprofit Rates:

• $1,700 (Income: $500,000 – $999,999)
• $2,900 (Income: $1,000,000 – $4,999,999)
• $4,100 (Income: $5,000,000 – $9,999,999)
  
• $5,800 (Income: $10,000,000+)

Partner Discounts: Central Exchange’s nonprofit partners automatically receive an additional $500 discount per participant off their nonprofit rate. They are not eligible for additional discounts.

Please note, nonprofit-rate spots are limited to five participants per cohort each year, with only one employee per nonprofit organization eligible to enroll annually. We will notify you if all nonprofit-rate spots have been filled, and you will have the opportunity to attend at the regular rate or postpone your enrollment to the following year.

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of participants who move through the Emerging Leaders program together. Each cohort meets monthly, allowing participants to build relationships, learn alongside one another, and grow their network throughout the year.

What participation options are available?

Emerging Leaders offers both in-person and virtual cohorts, with the same curriculum in each format. Applicants may indicate their preference on the application, and the virtual option makes it possible for participants outside the Kansas City area or those who travel frequently to fully participate.

In-person cohorts meet at UMKC Bloch Executive Hall in Kansas City, Missouri, while virtual cohorts meet via Zoom. Cohorts average 35 participants and are capped at 50.

What happens if I can’t attend my cohort one month?

Participants are encouraged to attend their assigned cohort each month. If a scheduling conflict arises, they may attend another in-person or virtual session that month. Sessions are not recorded.

Is food provided at in-person cohorts?

Yes! Coffee, tea, water, and snacks are provided during regular in-person sessions. Lunch is provided at graduation immediately following the final session.

What is the inclement weather policy for in-person cohorts?

In the event of snow, ice, or other inclement weather, in-person cohorts may move to Zoom on the same day to help ensure everyone’s safety. This decision will be based on UMKC’s campus closure status posted at umkc.edu. Additional details about the procedure will be shared with participants on the first day of class.