Unlock Your Leadership Potential
You can shape the future of the Pikes Peak Region
The Signature Program challenges you become a catalyst for change in our community. Armed with knowledge, tools, and connections, you’ll be equipped to address pressing community needs and drive meaningful change. Over the course of 10 transformative months, from August to June, you’ll dive deep into the issues that matter most in our community and learn from industry leaders and experts.
Applications closed for the Class of 2025. We will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026 in May 2025.
The Signature Program is for experienced professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of themselves and connection to the community. The program has three key areas of focus:
Self
To be great leaders, we must understand ourselves. Who are we? What are we capable of? How do others perceive us? For great leadership skills to be actualized, we must discover our strengths, unique personalities, abilities, passions, and potential for growth. With a solid foundation of personal development, our participants are poised to make an impact in the Pikes Peak Region and beyond.
Community
Community engagement is crucial for creating sustainable solutions, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring that decisions made by institutions or organizations align with the needs and aspirations of the community. Our program graduates become catalysts for change in our community. Our alumni serve on boards/committees, always find ways to give back, and will stop at nothing to make the Pikes Peak Region a better place.
Collaboration
Armed with knowledge, tools, and connections, our participants are equipped to address pressing community needs and drive meaningful progress. Over the course of 10 transformative months, from August to the following June, they dive deep into the issues that matter most in our community and learn from industry leaders and experts while also building deep connections through collaboration with their classmates on community projects. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply leadership skills and newfound strengths in a real-world setting.
The Program Curriculum
The program’s curriculum is tailored for the three focus areas above.
First, the program empowers participants to thrive through strength-based leadership, tapping into their true potential to make a significant impact. Each participant will take a Gallup Strengthsfinder assessment and work with a trained facilitator to interpret results in a tangible, easy-to-apply way.
Second, each program day focuses on a different sector of the community. The class hears from industry professionals and gets hands on behind the scenes tours of facilities and activities. These hands-on sessions provide a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of our community enabling participants to gain:
In-depth knowledge of both formal and informal decision-making channels within the community.
A broad view on critical community issues, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities at hand.
Introduction to key community leaders, providing valuable networking opportunities to expand your professional connections.
Upon completing the program, you will graduate as a community trustee, joining our network of LPP alumni who have emerged as influential leaders passionately committed to fostering a vibrant and prosperous community in Colorado Springs.
We do provide limited scholarships and payment plans, and applicants are highly encouraged to apply regardless of their financial situation. Apply for the Signature Program today and embark on an extraordinary journey that will transform not only your leadership capabilities but also your entire perspective on what it means to be a true leader in the Pikes Peak Region.
Start Your Leadership Journey
Applications closed for the Class of 2025. We will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026 in May 2025.
Application Process
In addition applications closed for the Class of 2025. We will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026 in May 2025. In addition to the application, applicants will need to submit two letters of recommendation from supervisors, colleagues, or community leaders. These individuals should address the applicant’s leadership abilities and current/potential for community impact. LPP must receive these letters of recommendation by the due date in order for the application to be considered. Letters may be submitted with the application or be sent separately.
Tuition for this program has returned to Legacy pricing at $2,950.
*The system will not allow applicants to save and resume their application at a later date. Please be prepared with the following information needed to complete the application.
Applications closed for the Class of 2025. We will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026 in May 2025.
On your application, you will be asked to provide:
- Short Bio
- Community Activities
- Employment History
- Professional Activities
- Education
- What do you hope to gain from the program?
2024-2025 Signature Program Schedule
The Signature class will meet all business day with the exception of two evening events.
Thursday, August 29
Orientation session (Evening Event)
Thursday, September 12
Arts & Creativity day
Thursday, October 2/3
Overnight retreat
Thursday, October 24
Business & Tourism Day
Thursday, November 14
Human Services day
Thursday, January 9
Belonging & Inclusion Day
Thursday, January 23
health day
Thursday, February 13
Military day
Thursday, February 27
education day
Thursday, March 13
Judicial & Criminal Justice Day
Thursday, April 10
local government day
Thursday, April 24
Public Service Day
Thursday, May 8
Sustainability Day
Thursday, May 22
Make-up day (snow, etc)
Thursday, June 5
Graduation (Evening Event)
Applications closed for the Class of 2025. We will begin accepting applications for the Class of 2026 in May 2025.
Want to learn more about the Signature Program?
Contact us to go over program details and answer any questions you have.
Melanie Hicks, PhD
Program Director
Words From Our Graduates
The connections I’ve made through the Signature Program helped me build my resume and secure a new job opportunity at the YMCA.
Leadership Pikes Peak changed my life! I loved discovering my strengths—that has helped me hugely as a leader and collaborator. I was exposed to so many brilliant people and components of the Pikes Peak region that make our world go-round. It was truly a transformative experience.
LPP’s focus on community issues, deep personal exploration, and building relationships has benefited me greatly personally and professionally. The connections I built with classmates have created a network that I value and continue to call on today. LPP’s work is our community’s work!
As a Springs native, the LPP program opened up my eyes to see how our community works and how you can make a difference as a leader. I made friendships for life, got to meet tremendous community members, and became a proud graduate of both the LNOW and Signature classes. Leadership Pikes Peak is not only an investment in the community, but also in yourself to become a strong and vibrant leader.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Our Signature Program is in part due to our wonderful sponsors who help us make the experience memorable and valuable for the participants. Thank you to The Colorado Springs Hispanic Chamber as our Signature Coffee Sponsor, and The White Law Firm, our Signature Sponsor.
