Coro’s Executive Fellows Program is not academic in the usual sense of the word.  There are no lectures.  Coro is not a program for passive listeners, but active doers.  A rigorous curriculum, interviews, and regional site visits are coupled with ample opportunity for self- governance. This process will transform your assumptions about the dilemmas faced by civic leaders and allow you to better understand how to create strong relationships to get things done.

The program is also an experience in individual growth and group dynamics.  You will analyze how you relateto the world, how others interpret their surroundings and experiences, and howself-directed leadership teams make effective decisions.  Coro’s goal isto help you translate what you learn into effective action for improving yourown organization’s goals and outcomes, and to revitalize your leadership practice.

What are the Benefits of the Executive Fellows Program?

     Graduates of the Executive Fellows Program Gain:

• a more holistic understanding of public affairs and how things get done
• a clearer understanding of the complex issues affecting our communities
• unparalleled networking opportunities that create important relationships
• enhanced leadership skills to increase professional effectiveness in the workplace.

What is the Program Content?

The Executive Fellows Program runs from September through June.   During our sessions you will learn about the relationships among provate, community based, and government institutions, interview leaders in a variety of industries, examine how teams function, and engage in group projects.

Your activities during the year might include the following:

• A presentation on state or city budget issues by key policy leaders
• Interpersonal leadership skill development
• An exploration of water challenges in Southern California via site visits
• A panel discussion on public employee pension reform
• Interviews with policy advocates and legislators
• Joint exercises with Coro’s Public Affairs Fellows (full-time, post-graduate     students)
• A one-day study of a community (corporate, neighborhood, or institutional)

What is the Time Commitment?

Your class of about 20 professionals will meet formally twice per month—one full Friday and one weeknight per month from September through June.  Coro will also conduct three Saturday seminars during the program year.

In order to fully benefit from the Executive Fellows Program, outside reading and some activities with colleagues are required beyond the scheduled seminars.  You may have small group projects which will require conference calls, in-person meetings with your colleagues, and/or interviews with leaders from your own network. You should anticipate an additional five hours per month for these tasks. In addition, Coro will provide enriching optional opportunities forgrowth:  interactions with Coro Fellows, Coro alumni and supporters plus multiple community and civic events.

We understand that working professionals will occasionally miss a meeting due to full time jobs and obligations.  However, your presence at all seminars and your commitment to the work outside of those meetings will produce the most rewarding experience for you and for your colleagues.

Who Should Apply?

By design, Coro selects a broad range of early and mid-career candidates from a variety of fields.  The Executive Fellows include those from government, business, labor, healthcare and nonprofit sectors who strive to be more effective.  Differences in work experience, political viewpoints, academic background, age, gender, and ethnicity produce a rich and dynamic environment.

Common denominators among all our Fellows are a keen intellectual curiosity anda desire to enact positive change in their chosen fields. Coro promises an experience that will give you insight into public affairs, challenge your assumptions, and refine your leadership skills.

What is the Application and Selection Process?

Interested participants or sponsoring organizations can submit a completed application form.  Applications are due July 25, 2012.

Tuition for Coro’s Executive Fellows Program is $5000.  A non-refundable $500 deposit is due upon confirmation of your seat in the class.  Tuition maybe paid by the participant, employer, and/or another sponsoring organization.  Please refer to the application for more information about the program tuition and payment options.