Leadership for the future.

Bergen LEADS is a 10-month program designed to challenge and inspire you through hands-on projects and meaningful discussions. The program provides a 360-degree view of Bergen County to better understand its many intricacies like education, healthcare, government, economics, and more. You will gain a better understanding of your leadership style and strengths, grow your professional network, and make a positive community impact.

Applications are now open UNTIL APRIL 30. Apply online today and jumpstart your leadership journey! Apply here.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each month, immerse yourself in learning about the community around you. We will cover the following fields:

Culture
Education
Environment
Government

Healthcare
Industry
Law and Public Safety
Nonprofits

Learn about the challenges leaders of various sectors face from firsthand, candid accounts from:

Presidents and CEOs of private businesses
Elected Officials
Nonprofit Leaders
Executives from the Healthcare Industry

Take a deep dive into the organizations that fuel our county through exclusive site visits that provide a behind-the-scenes look at operations.

Build upon and grow your leadership capabilities with executive coaching and training. Topics include:

Personality Profiles
Communication
Networking
Conflict Resolution

APPLY TODAY

Accepting Applications
Until April 30

Questions?

Contact Jeanne Martin at (201) 489-5176
or JMartin@bergenvolunteers.org

APPLY

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN UNTIL APRIL 30

YOUR COMMITMENT

Participants are expected to attend the two-day opening retreat in September, the once monthly full-day sessions, and the two-day closing retreat in May. Group project presentations and an afternoon graduation ceremony will be held in June.

Tuition is $2,500. Tuition includes speaker fees, lunch, materials, and activities for each session. A deposit of $300 is due after you receive your acceptance letter. A payment plan may be set up through Bergen Volunteers' office if the full cost of tuition cannot be paid by the opening retreat. If your employer is sponsoring your enrollment, you are responsible for ensuring communication between your employer and Bergen Volunteers' office. Tuition is due December 31.

APPLICATION PROCESS

A volunteer alumni panel reviews all submissions and scores applicants on their willingness to expand their self-awareness of personal and professional strengths and areas to grow.
Interviews for selected applicants take place in person or virtually. Applicants are scored on their dedication to becoming leaders in their community in various capacities.
Acceptance emails and letters are sent to future Bergen LEADers. At this time, accepted participants are expected to pay the deposit. We look forward to welcoming you in September!

BERGEN LEADS APPLICATION

FAQ

2026 Session Dates

Tuition & Financial Aid

Anti-Discrimination and Confidentiality Policies

Bergen Volunteers respect the confidentiality and individual rights of privacy of all Bergen LEADS

applicants.

Bergen LEADS does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, affectional or sexual orientation, marital or familial status, income, disability or liability for service in the armed forces of the United States.

The success of Bergen LEADS hinges on recruiting a diverse class whose members represent a variety of backgrounds, opinions and experiences. Bergen LEADS is committed to selecting an outstanding class of individuals who are dedicated to Bergen County and who represent the rich diversity of the County through their work, civic activities and personal qualities.