Civic Leadership Academy (CLA)

The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) is a highly-competitive leadership development program for emerging and high-potential leaders in non-profit organizations and local government agencies within the City of Chicago and Cook County. Civic Leadership Academy fellows engage in a six-month interdisciplinary leadership development curriculum that includes classes taught by world-renowned University of Chicago faculty, original Chicago-based case studies to uncover core lessons about civic leadership in an applied setting, conversations with civic leaders throughout Chicago, as well as a week-long global practicum in Paris.

Eligibility

Full-time employee of a Chicago nonprofit organization
Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership, innovation, and high performance
Minimum of five years of work experience in the civic sector
Be nominated by a supervisor and provide one additional letter of recommendation
Be intellectually curious, reflective, ambitious, innovative, collaborative, and committed to positive change

Additional CPS Criteria

Last RISE rating of proficient or above.
At least one year of service with CPS
You can only participate in one cohort or external development program per school year. If you are accepted, this will count as your one professional development opportunity in a Lead with CPS program in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

How to Apply

The application for the 2026 CLA cohort is open now here. All application materials are due Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5pm CT.

Eligible Role

Central & Network Offices

Organization

University of Chicago

Time commitment

6 month duration of 130 hours of curriculum

Application window

The application is now open. All application materials are due Monday, September 8th, 2025 at 5pm CT.

Contact

leadwithcps@cps.edu for questions about sponsorship, civicleadershipacademy@uchicago.edu for questions about the program or application process

Cost

$10,000. Acceptance into the Civic Leadership Academy does not guarantee sponsorship. The Talent Office can cover the cost of a limited number of CPS employees selected by CLA.

Teachers Overview

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers

Teachers Lead Chicago

Teachers Lead Chicago