Leadership Greater Bridgeport Cohort 38 Application | 2026–2027 - Bridgeport Regional Business Council | BRBC

Leadership Greater Bridgeport Cohort 38 Application | 2026–2027

Leadership Greater Bridgeport — Cohort 38 Application

Leadership Greater Bridgeport is BRBC's nine-month experiential leadership program designed to develop and elevate community leaders across the Greater Bridgeport region. Participants build meaningful regional connections, gain behind-the-scenes exposure to major community issues and institutions, and work with peers on a community impact project.

Cohort 38 convenes October 2026 through June 2027, opening with a mandatory two-day retreat on October 7 and 8. Sessions are held the second Thursday of each month at locations throughout the region and run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the final session on June 10.

We are seeking lifelong learners, community-minded professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, public sector professionals, and entrepreneurs who live and/or work in the Greater Bridgeport region and are ready to invest in their growth, their organizations, and their community. Applicants should live and/or work in the Greater Bridgeport region and be able to commit to the full program schedule. Employer support is strongly encouraged for all applicants whose participation requires time away from work.

This is a two-step process.

Step One: Complete this application. Please answer the questions thoughtfully and honestly. We read every response, and the substance of your answers genuinely factors into how we review applications. Short, surface-level answers make it harder for us to understand who you are and what you're bringing to the cohort. Take your time with it.

Step Two: Book your one-on-one conversation. Once your application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email containing a link to schedule a 30-minute meeting with our team. This is not a traditional interview. It's a conversation — a chance for us to hear what drew you to the program, what you're working on in the community, and what you're hoping to walk away with nine months from now. It's equally your opportunity to ask us anything about the schedule, the community impact project, or what the nine months actually look like before you commit. Please plan to schedule your conversation within two weeks of submitting your application.

Fields marked with an * are required.

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Section 1: Application Information
Please provide your current contact and employment information so we can communicate with you and confirm your eligibility for the program.

First Name *

Last Name *

Title

Organization *

Business Address *

Business City *

Business State *

Business Zip *

Personal Address

Personal City

Personal State

Business Email *

Personal Email *

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Section 3: Leadership and Community Involvement
Please tell us about your current leadership roles, volunteer service, and community involvement. This information helps the selection committee understand your level of engagement and the perspective you would bring to the Class 38 cohort.

Have you previously participated in a leadership development program? *

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Section 4: Application Questions
Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and completely. Your responses will help the selection committee better understand your interest, goals, and fit for the program.

Why are you applying for Leadership Greater Bridgeport Class 38? *

Describe your interest in the Leadership Program. *

Explain what you hope to gain, and how you plan to utilize the Leadership Program Experience.

Please provide an example of an impactful use of leadership skills *

Either one that you demonstrated yourself or one that you observed in someone else.

What makes you a compelling candidate for this program? *

Please consider your leadership experience and plans, as well as your professional and community goals

What does the word "leadership" mean to you? *

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Section 6: Employer Support
Because this program includes a significant time commitment, we ask applicants to confirm employer awareness and support when applicable.

Immediate Supervisor Name

Immediate Supervisor Title

Immediate Supervisor Email *

Immediate Supervisor Phone

Has your employer approved your participation if selected? *

By submitting this application, I confirm that I have received approval from my employer *

Will your employer be paying your tuition? *

Yes

No

Partially

Not Sure

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Section 7: Participation Commitment
Please review these expectations carefully. Selected participants are expected to fully engage in the program and prioritize attendance.

Participation Commitment Acknowledgment *

I understand that Leadership Greater Bridgeport is a selective cohort experience that requires active participation. If selected, I commit to making the program a priority, attending orientation and monthly sessions, engaging fully in class activities and site visits, and contributing to the community impact project. (Please sign full name)

Attendance Acknowledgment *

I understand that regular attendance is expected and that excessive absences may affect my ability to complete the program successfully.

Professionalism Acknowledgment *

I agree to represent myself, my organization, and the cohort with professionalism, respect, and a collaborative spirit throughout the program.

Attendance policies and clear expectations are important in chamber leadership programs and should be stated plainly in the application, not introduced after acceptance.

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Section 9: Final Acknowledgment and Submission
Please review your application carefully before submitting.

Applicant Certification *

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Selection Process Acknowledgment *

I understand that submission of this application does not guarantee acceptance into Leadership Greater Bridgeport Class 38.

Electronic Signature *

Date *