Leadership Natchitoches is an immersive learning program for proven leaders in our community that engages and activates these individuals to effect change in Natchitoches Parish. This diverse group of professionals becomes one class and one voice through the course of the program, which focuses on these key areas:

Education • Workforce Development • Cultural Diversity • Historical Relevance • Tourism • Government & Governance • Healthcare • Poverty • Economic Development • Business & Industry • Art & Culture • Criminal Justice System • Law Enforcement • Infrastructure • Natural Resources

Leadership Natchitoches gives graduates first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our region and the potential for a positive community impact through volunteerism and civic engagement. The program consists of seven one-and-a-half day sessions that include an evening team-building social and a full-day of experiential learning. Leadership Natchitoches participants are recognized at a graduation ceremony.

Our 2023 Class is currently in session! Stay tuned for announcements on our 2024 sessions!

WHAT THE PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

2023 PROGRAM DATES 

Each session will be preceded with a Thursday evening social, and Friday sessions will last a full work-day.

February 10, 2023 – Launching into Leadership: Opening Retreat

March 24, 2023 –  Where History Lives: Natchitoches History, Culture & Tourism

April 28, 2023 – Naturally Great: Natural Resources  

May 19, 2023 – We Make Good Stuff: Business and Industry  

August 25, 2023  – Together We Can: Education and Workforce

September 22, 2023 – Progress & Pitfalls: Healthcare and Public Safety

October 27, 2023 – Be the Leader: Government & Governance

CURRICULUM

The curriculum for this program is designed to use a variety of resources and learning techniques. The topics are chosen based on key components inherent in the daily lives of the people of the Natchitoches area. To learn more about Leadership Natchitoches Curriculum, click "The Sessions" below.

SELECTION PROCESS

Nominees are accepted from public and private agencies, corporations, civic and other organizations, and individual nominators. Applicants are accepted on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability through career or community achievements, concern for the future of the Natchitoches Area and commitment to the program. Applications are solicited annually in October. A selection committee of Community and Chamber leaders will recommend 12 to 15 candidates, based on a diverse cross-section of the community in terms of occupation, gender, race, age and affiliations.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS

Leadership Natchitoches devotes one full Friday per month to hear presentations from subject matter experts and participate in discussions, field trips and practical exercises pertinent to six key community issues: history, culture & tourism, natural resources, business & industry, education & workforce, healthcare & public safety, and government & governance. Participants must agree and adhere to Leadership Natchitoches Policies and Procedures in order to apply to and graduate from the program and be recognized at the graduation ceremony. The kick-off session in March is mandatory. No more than one absence is allowed from April-October.

Tuition for Leadership Natchitoches is $800. Limited scholarship funds are available upon request.