Harford Leadership Academy Application Now Open

Join the ranks of more than 1,000 Harford County leaders from business and industry, education, government, nonprofit, and civic organizations who have graduated from Harford Leadership Academy. Co-sponsored by Harford Community College and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, this successful community development program is designed to create a committed, involved, and diverse network of leaders within Harford County. Participants will learn about the challenges our community faces and the opportunities that are available for community growth. Existing and emerging leaders in Harford County may submit applications for Harford Leadership Academy through January 7, 2026.

The Academy kicks off on February 12, 2026, with a dinner and welcoming activities from 5:30 to 9 PM, then reconvenes on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The 14 weekly Wednesday sessions will begin on February 18, 2026, and run through May 27, 2026 (no session March 25, 2026 – Harford Community College Spring Break.) Most sessions run from 8 AM to noon. APG, Healthcare, Public Safety, and the Justice System/Emergency Response are full-day sessions, 8 AM–4:30 PM. The Focused Social Issues session runs from 8 AM to 1 PM. A graduation banquet will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Applicants must live or work in Harford County, have demonstrated interest in volunteerism in the community, exhibit leadership potential, and be able to attend all sessions.

HLA graduates benefit from an extensive communications network between present and future community leaders and are encouraged to take an active role in the growth and transformation of Harford County. A partial list of previous HLA session topics includes Clifton Strengths, How Government Works, Public Safety, Workforce & Economic Development, Leading Teams with Purpose for Impact, Agriculture & Environment, Ethical Leadership, and Volunteerism.

For more information about this program and the application process, contact Wendy Ambler at wambler@harford.edu or visit https://www.harford.edu/academics/workforce-career-programs/harford-leadership-academy.php.