Emerging Leaders Development Program
Learn more and apply for our new Skill-Up Program, exclusively for residents of the City of Pawtucket.
If you are interested in applying for our statewide program, please continue below.
About the Program
The Emerging Leaders Development Program is a 7-month cohort-based program designed to provide participants who live or work in Rhode Island with additional knowledge, skills, and tools they need to advance their careers.
The program aims to provide participants with a blueprint to advocate through all phases of their career trajectory.
The program will utilize competencies in leadership best practices, strategic thinking, leading through change, and effective communication, all centered on fostering self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a strengths-based approach.
The goal of the program is to provide diverse young leaders and mid-level professionals with the tools needed to advance their career strategies and move up the ladder so that they can advocate for wage increases and increases in responsibility and leadership.
The Fall 2025 Cohort is free for participants through funding received by the Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training and will be delivered by RIBBA in partnership with the University of Rhode Island Office of Strategic Initiatives.
The early consideration application deadline is Saturday, August 31, 2025.
The Emerging Leaders Development Program Includes:
Monthly full day, in-person training on leadership and managerial effectiveness
Self Assessments & Leadership Capabilities
Panel Discussions & Speakers
One-on-One Mentorship
Leadership Brand & Executive One-on-One Coaching Sessions
Civic Engagement & Volunteering opportunities
Networking Opportunities
Peer Discussions & Learning
Access to RIBBA’s resources & Network
Who is an ideal Emerging Leader?
Participants with at least 5 years of experience in profession
Has been identified as emerging leader within organization
Capacity to manage 7 month program
Live in Rhode Island
Hold a mid-level or executive position in the state of RI
Expected Program Outcomes:
A clear and achievable leadership development plan
A defined personal leadership style
Advanced knowledge of essential leadership & management skills
Enhanced communication and conflict management skills
An identified mentor within their industry
A developed personal brand, relationships & networks
A support network championing your growth
Involved in advocacy, community-based volunteering & leadership opportunities
2025-26 Cohort Timeline
Saturday, August 31, 2025
First Round of Applications
Apply by Saturday, August 31st for early consideration and acceptance into the program.
Friday, September 12, 2025
Second Round of Applications
The final application deadline is Friday, September 12th.
Early September
Interview
Interviews will be ongoing in September of 2025.
Mid-September 2025
Acceptance
Acceptance notifications will be sent to participants in mid-September.
October 2025
Program Launch
The program will begin in October 2025.
Our participants are employed by some of the largest companies and organizations in Rhode Island.
Emerging Leaders: Alumni Report
Over
110
Emerging Leaders Trained
Over
98%
Completion Rate
Over
1260
Mentorship Hours Completed
Provided in Partnership with:
