Program

Application & Selection Process

In order to be fully considered, applicants will:

  • Submit a completed online application
  • Be notified of their program acceptance
  • Submit full payment of participant fee
  • Attend the Class Intro Virtual Call
  • Complete the Clifton Strengths Assessment
  • Complete the Social Style Assessment

If you’re ready to grow your impact, expand your network, and become part of a community of leaders committed to making a difference, this is your moment.

Applications Open for 2026-2027!
*Deadline to apply is June 1st.

Program Expectations

The goal of the Emerging Leaders Program is to identify and support up and coming leaders within the Ankeny community by providing an experience that offers personal self-growth, increased professional connections, leadership development and creative collaboration opportunities in order to impact the Ankeny community.

Over the course of this immersive program, you will:

Collaborate in small teams to design and implement a project that directly impacts the Ankeny community.
Deepen self-awareness and personal growth through CliftonStrengths and Social Styles—developing a clear understanding of how you lead, communicate, and show up for others.
Build meaningful connections with a diverse cohort of peers and community leaders.
Strengthen your leadership toolkit with practical insights and real-world application.

Led by Experienced Leadership Facilitators

This program is guided by two professional leadership coaches with deep expertise in leadership development, communication, and community impact.

Their facilitation brings together proven frameworks like:

  • CliftonStrengths – creating a shared language for strengths-based leadership
  • Social Styles – building awareness of behavior, communication, and adaptability

Together, these tools help participants grow in confidence, effectiveness, and intentional leadership. Participants also haveaccess to one on one coaching opportunities to find deeper ways to apply their learning. 

Participant Expectations

By committing to the ALI Emerging Leaders Program, applicants understand that in order to get the most from this community leadership experience and to contribute to the experience of their classmates, they must be fully committed by:

Participants engage in:

  • Monthly in-person sessions and retreats
  • Review the 2026-27 ALI Emerging Leaders Calendar and adding all events to their personal/professional calendar(s).
  • A collaborative community impact project
  • Ongoing learning and reflection between sessions and one on one coaching sessions

This is an 8-month journey designed for those ready to fully engage and grow. By the end of the program, you will:

  • Understand your unique leadership strengths and how to apply them
  • Communicate and collaborate more effectively across differences
  • Gain insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping Ankeny
  • Build the confidence and capability to lead initiatives that matter.

Payment Information

Upon acceptance to the program, checks can be made payable to the Ankeny Leadership Institute and mailed to:

Ankeny Leadership Institute
c/o Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
1360 SW Park Sq Dr, Ste 106
Ankeny, IA 50023

Questions?

For questions about the application/selection process or program expectations, applicants can email info@ankenyleadership.org or use our contact form.