FOCUS St. Louis offers leadership development programs to meet a wide array of civic and professional development needs. Our flagship leadership programs, Leadership St. Louis® (LSL) and Youth Leadership St. Louis (YLSL), are well-established and highly-praised regional immersion programs with selective admission. Experience St. Louis offers an orientation program for top-tier executives new to the region. Leadership Plenty is provided on a contract basis. See Customized Services for more information on individualized leadership training options.

Leadership St. Louis® (LSL): A nine-month program designed for recognized leaders in their respective fields who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of life in the region. The September through May curriculum guides a selected group of diverse community professionals through a highly interactive series of cutting edge seminars on critical regional issues. The seminars include site visits and interactions with key decision makers to inspire participants to address community challenges, as well as opportunities to enhance self-awareness of leadership approaches.

Youth Leadership St. Louis (YLSL): A nine-month program developed for high school juniors from public, private and parochial schools throughout the region. The curriculum introduces, develops and nutures leadership skills and team-building strategies by involving the students in the issues facing our region.

Experience St. Louis (ESL): This fall/spring orientation program, jointly sponsored with the Regional Chamber and Growth Association serves executives and their spouses who are new to the region. The program broadens participants knowledge of the region, acquaints them with its formal and informal decision-making channels, introduces them to issues facing the region, and challenges them to become involved.

Leadership Plenty: Aimed at developing community-based, grassroots leadership, this training consists of nine three-hour sessions custom-delivered for each client. The research-based curriculum was developed by The Pew Partnership for Civic Change. For more information, contact Policy and Community Engagement Director at 314-622-1250.

Gateway Connections: A civic partnership between the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, FOCUS St. Louis, and the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, this free, one-day orientation welcome people of color to the St. Louis region. For more information on upcoming programs, visit www.stlbizdiversity.com/our_programs.asp.