Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Programs
Developing informed, connected leaders committed to the growth and well-being of the Aurora community.
Leadership Aurora
A 10-month community engagement program that builds awareness of Aurora, cultivates a network of informed leaders, and deepens civic involvement across business, government, education, and the nonprofit sector.
Emerging Leaders
A focused 6-month program for emerging professionals — covering personal leadership development, emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, team dynamics, and community relations through monthly full-day sessions.
Flagship Program
Leadership Aurora
Leadership Aurora is a 10-month experience that turns the Aurora community into a classroom. Participants engage with prominent leaders from both the public and private sectors, dive deep into the issues shaping the region, and work collaboratively on real projects with real impact. The program begins with a mandatory two-night retreat in mid-September and concludes with graduation in early June.
Schedule
- Opening retreat — mid-September (2 nights, mandatory)
- Monthly full-day sessions — 3rd Thursday, Oct–May
- Graduation — 1st Thursday, June
What You'll Learn
Each session features prominent speakers, in-depth dialogue on current issues, site visits, and hands-on team projects. The community itself becomes the classroom.
Tuition & Aid
$1,600 per participant — covers retreat, all monthly sessions, meals, and materials. Partial scholarships available for Chamber members based on need. Full tuition due September 1.
Eligibility
Open to all regardless of age, creed, race, or philosophy. Candidates sought from government, education, labor, business, and the professions. Self-nominations accepted.
2025–2026
Leadership Aurora Board
Apply to Leadership Aurora
A representative group of 35–40 candidates is selected from all segments of the Aurora community — government, education, labor, business, and the professions. Candidacy is open to all. A written application and personal interview is required.
Key Details
Application Deadline: July 15 each year
Tuition: $1,600 — covers retreat, all sessions, meals, and materials. Partial scholarships available for Chamber members.
Payment Due: September 1. No refunds after the opening retreat.
Individuals without a sponsoring organization may self-nominate.
History
Yearbook Archive
Accelerated Track
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders is a 6-month program for professionals ready to step into leadership. The first three months focus on personal development — leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and ethical behavior. The final two months move outward to team dynamics, organizational communication, and conflict resolution. Sessions run monthly as full-day intensives.
Schedule
- Orientation — January (full day)
- 2nd Tuesday monthly — February through May
- 3rd Tuesday — June
Curriculum
Months 1–3: Leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and ethical behavior.
Months 4–5: Team relations, organizational communication, and conflict resolution.
Tuition & Aid
$1000 per participant — includes orientation, all monthly sessions, meals, and materials. Partial scholarships available for Chamber members based on need. Full tuition due December 15.
How to Apply
Application must be received by October 15. The program runs January through June. Space is limited — apply early.
Apply to Emerging Leaders
A focused, cohort-based experience for emerging professionals ready to build leadership fundamentals and community connections. Tuition may be paid by employer, sponsor, or the candidate. Partial scholarships available for Chamber members.
Key Details
Application Deadline: October 15
Tuition: $1000 — covers all sessions, meals, and materials. Partial scholarships available for Chamber members.
Payment Due: December 15. See cancellation and refund policy for details.