Application & Selection
The Masters Leadership Program (MLP) seeks candidates who are proven leaders in their fields with a strong track record of accomplishment. They are driven by a desire to serve their community. MLP seeks students who represent and/or appreciate people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek candidates looking for the opportunity to enhance the lives of others through nonprofit board and civic commission service.
Applications for 2024 - 2025 Class XXI have closed.
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal MLP Candidates are:
- In full control of their schedules, able to fully commit to attending ALL 12 full days of classes. Please review the class schedule to confirm your personal calendar allows commitment to attend ALL classes.
- Recommended by either a member of the “MLP Family;” i.e., a graduate, board, emeritus member, or staff. Or nominated by a person knowledgeable about MLP and with whom the applicant is familiar.
- From San Antonio and surrounding area.
- Able to demonstrate an active desire to serve, impact change, and stay connected in our community through a role of service on a nonprofit board or civic commission.
- Are motivated by a desire to serve as vital contributors in creating equitable, inclusive outcomes for our community through their service activities.
MLP Applicants Commit to:
- Reviewing these Application Tips to help you prepare for the application and selection process.
- $1,750 tuition.
- Active attendance at all 12 full class days. Class XXI Schedule (2024-2025)
- Financial contribution to the class fundraising project.
- Reporting your community service on the graduate website.
- Serving on a nonprofit board or civic commission upon graduation.
- Participating in our MLP Alumni Association (MLPAA) — annual fees are $150.
Nominators, the mentorship and assistance you provide your nominee makes a significant difference in their application. Please review these Tips and Hints to help prepare your candidate for the application and selection process.
Program Timeline
Application
January 1 - March 31, 2025
Fifty-four (54) candidates, and aproximately five alternates, are selected each year for participation in the program. Due to the large number of applications, classes will fill, and applicants may be invited to re-submit for a following year.
Interviews
April
Candidates with completed applications may be invited for a ZOOM conversation with the Review and Interview committee. These 30-minute conversations are structured to answer any questions about MLP and offer an opportunity for candidates to add more context to the application.
A selection committee, consisting of MLP graduates, staff, and Board members assesses all applicants and makes the final determination on candidate selection.
Notification
Mid-May
Accepted candidates are notified and receive detailed information to confirm their commitment. One-half ($875) of the $1,750 tuition fee is due at the time commitment form is submitted by June 30, 2024. The remainder of tuition is due August 1, 2024. Limited scholarships are available based on financial need — contact the MLP Executive Director for details
Course Work
September - April
The program spans seven months with 12 full days of curriculum. See program description or class schedule.
Graduation
April
Equipped with a depth understanding of the community aspirations, strengths and gaps, graduates engage on their service journey through
- Dialogue with nonprofit agencies and city / county commissions to identify matches with strengths, skills, talents and passion for mission
- Expressing interest to serve
- Being appointed and actively serving
- Joining the MLPAA
- Reporting service positions, as acquired
- Nominating future potential candidates