Class Curriculum

Through eleven full class days scheduled over six months, our cohort is immersed in intentional and meaningful instruction in board skills, governance, capacity-building, strategic insight and decision making, combined with direct introduction to a broad spectrum of nonprofits serving San Antonio. Masters Leadership is the gateway to impactful service through meaningful connection and partnership. The access to organizations, resources, and subject-matter experts is unmatched. Proper preparation of board candidates involves a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding of complex board functions. MLP is the launchpad to servant leadership.

The Board of Directors of MLP is made up of dedicated leaders in our community who personally invite experts in their fields to present to the cohort and give access to unique host sites for class days. Expect to hear from, meet and connect with the people who make our city work. The knowledge and the confidence that results from your experience in this program is a lifetime strength.

Class days themes and explorations include:

Foundations of Service and Board Skills

Learn the essential skills needed to serve as effective board members of the nonprofits or civic commissions best aligned with your passions, skills, and strengths. Our objective is to connect our graduates with complementary organizations so they can become pivotal servant leaders. Hear from CEOs, executives and experienced board leaders, who are often also program alumni, and build the critical skills and knowledge needed to effectively fill board positions. 

Arts and Culture

Explore the dynamic arts landscape that shapes San Antonio's unique identity. From vibrant performance stages to grassroots community programs, discover how local nonprofits cultivate youth talent, preserve our rich regional heritage, and weave the colorful tapestry of our city's creative culture.

Healthcare and Bioscience

Go behind the scenes of major healthcare systems and facilities to hear from CEOs and medical professionals on the complexity and range of the healthcare and bioscience sectors in Greater San Antonio. Learn about the innovative and forward-thinking medical and research facilities that engage in life-changing care and globally impactful research and development.  Become familiar with the nonprofit partners helping to make advancing healthcare accessible and affordable.

Community Safety and Justice

The intersection of safety, protection and the justice system lies in the coordination and collaboration between city and county law enforcement, protective services and the nonprofits that bridge the gap to make sure citizens can thrive.  Learn how police and fire departments, sheriffs and law enforcement support a healthy and safe community.

Strong Individuals and Families

A thriving community depends on the strength and resilience of its people and families. Living, learning and working in San Antonio depends on a network of human services that ensure all people have the support and resources they need to live independent, successful and fulfilled lives. From school age children to seniors, families big and small, it takes all of us to ensure each individual has access to opportunity.

Technology Day

Learn about the pervasive impact of technological innovation and education on our community’s economy, entrepreneurial activities, and worldwide competitive advantage. Learn what is on the horizon, what technology is being implemented across our city, and ideas still in development. Interact with key innovators, entrepreneurs, and educators who have significant influence on technology business development.

Military Impact Day

Receive briefs from executive and upper-level military administrators, to better understand the impact of current, future and transitioning roles of some of San Antonio’s key military components and installations. Tour facilities throughout Joint Bases of San Antonio and gain a deeper understanding of the overall military economic impact on our city and the surrounding area; and observe firsthand what is being done for our nation’s wounded warriors.

Livable and Resilient Communities

What does it take to make a community livable and functional? Looking to the future, what types of infrastructure, support and capability does our community need to adapt to the demands of an increasing population? Learn from forward-thinking leaders what steps are happening now to make San Antonio's future stable, comfortable and successful. Understand from key players what San Antonio's role will be as our region faces challenges and opportunities. 

Education Day

Expand your knowledge and understanding of the diverse and ever-evolving educational landscape of San Antonio. From its youngest learners just starting their educational journeys to the college and graduate students who hold the future in their hands, discover how the educational services and community throughout San Antonio are delivering outcomes to students that provide workforce solutions and innovative skill development for tomorrow's professionals. 

Engagement Day

This class day is the capstone of the program. MLP introduces a diverse group of approximately 50 agencies in a “Speed Dating” format so class members can learn about unique missions and board service opportunities. The goal of this day is to connect our cohort members to a wide variety of nonprofits whose missions pique the interest or align with the values of our newest graduates. Additionally, class members learn of the opportunities connection with our alumni can bring.  The power of MLP continues long after the program year ends.