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LEAD Champaign County

A Leadership Program for Young Professionals

This program is a transformative experience designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in both business and community settings. Whether you are an employer looking to develop your talent or a young professional ready to accelerate your leadership journey, this program is the bridge to success.

LEAD Champaign County Mission

To attract and empower the next generation of community leaders in Champaign County.
To connect young professionals to their peers, local resources and opportunities for service, leadership and advocacy.
To engage participants in creating a stronger community.

Why Employers Should Invest

The future of your organization depends on strong, capable leaders who can navigate change, foster innovation and drive results. The LEAD program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, confidence and networks needed to excel in leadership roles within your company and community. Investing in this program not only benefits your employee’s growth but also strengthens your organization’s leadership pipeline and presence in the community.


Why Young Professionals Should Join

Your career is more than just a job—it’s a journey toward leadership. This program will help you sharpen your leadership abilities, expand your professional network and develop skills essential for career advancement and community impact. Over 12 weeks, you will gain insights from experienced leaders, participate in hands-on exercises and leave with a clear roadmap for your leadership growth.


Sponsorship Opportunities

Your company has the unique opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of business and community leaders. While the program participants may work for other employers, your sponsorship establishes your company as a thought leader committed to talent development, economic growth and community leadership.

For just $2,500, your sponsorship will directly contribute to the success of this leadership program, helping young professionals gain the skills necessary to drive progress and innovation in their workplaces and the community.

TESTIMONIALS

Sponsorship Benefits:

  1. Brand Recognition & Visibility
    • Logo placement on all program materials, including signage, digital promotions, and participant materials.
    • Recognition in press releases, social media promotions and eConnection and Commerce Connection reaching all Chamber member business leaders and professionals.
    • Verbal recognition at program sessions and the graduation luncheon.
  2. Exclusive Networking & Thought Leadership
    • Invitation to the opening reception and graduation business etiquette luncheon, where you can connect with program participants and their employers.
  3. Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Impact
    • Demonstrate your company’s commitment to workforce development and community leadership.
    • Strengthen your brand’s reputation as a company that values professional growth and leadership cultivation.
  4. Access to Emerging Talent
    • Gain early visibility into up-and-coming leaders in the business community.
    • Create potential recruitment opportunities by establishing relationships with ambitious professionals seeking growth.

Includes tuition for one staff member to join LEAD.

Make an Impact Today

Your investment in the LEAD Program is an investment in the future of business leadership. Join us in shaping tomorrow’s leaders by becoming a sponsor today.

For more details on sponsorship, please contact Kaylie at kayliem@champaignounty.org.

This program is a transformative experience designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in both business and community settings. Whether you are an employer looking to develop your talent or a young professional ready to accelerate your leadership journey, this program is the bridge to success.