Want to develop leadership skills for people in your organization? Leadership Lawrence is a popular educational resource in Lawrence County’s business community. This professional development program helps broaden perspectives and increase understanding of community dynamics and public issues. Sessions begin in August and conclude in May.
Enrollment is open to anyone who lives or works in Lawrence County. Tuition includes all class materials and meals. For more information about Leadership Lawrence, contact Keeli Allen, VP of Community Development (keeli@lawcotn.com).

Leadership Lawrence is a 9-month cohort designed to develop leadership capacity in Lawrence County, TN. During the program, participants will learn about themselves, their leadership style, participate in team building activities, and hear from professionals from many different aspects of the community.
- Developed a network of colleagues from throughout different industry sectors in the county.
- Learned leadership skills to help them in their own professions and community.
- Gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges within our county, and how they can work to help our community grow.
Participation is expected at all sessions. Any participant who misses more than one session will be ineligible for graduation. Sessions marked with an * indicate mandatory days.
- August 28-29 – Overnight Retreat/ Kick-Off*
- September 21 – Social Services, Health & Wellness
- October 18 – History, Tourism, Agriculture
- November 8 – Economic Development (combined with youth)
- December 6– SIMSOC (combined with youth)*
- January 10 – City/ County Gov & Public Safety
- February 7 – Education & Workforce
- March 7 – State Government (combined with youth)*
- April 17 – Graduation lunch
Tuition for the program is $950 for Chamber members and $1,500 for non-members.
Scholarships:
Often, businesses and non-profits have continuing education funds to help employees participate in leadership development programs like Leadership Lawrence. Participants are encouraged to reach out to their employers for support. Limited scholarship support may be available through The Lawrence County Economic Development Foundation via Chamber Investors, but scholarship support is not guaranteed.
For questions about dates, requirements, tuition, and scholarships, please reach out to Keeli Allen, Vice President- Community Development, at (931)762-4911 or by email keeli@lawcotn.com
Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 Class of Youth Leadership Lawrence!
Click here to apply. All applications must be received by midnight on August 10, 2023.
Youth Leadership is open to public and home school juniors and seniors in Lawrence County. Throughout the program, students enhance their skills in leadership, professionalism, communication, and team building. In addition, participants learn about history, culture, business, and economic development while getting to know other students and business leaders throughout the community. Participants build relationships and truly become a team with a common vision. Not only does it enhance cooperation among schools, it develops a greater sense of community pride.
Students selected for the Youth Leadership Lawrence program are those who portray strong leadership potential, a desire to serve, and those who can make the time commitment to be at each session regardless of sports or other activities.
2023-2024 Youth Leadership Lawrence Schedule
All session times are tentative
August 15th, 16th, and 17th – Interviews at Your School
September 6th – Getting to Know You Session – 8:00am to 4:30pm
October 11th – Education and Social Services Session – 8:00 am to 4:30pm
November 8th – Economic Development Session – 8:00 am to 4:30pm
December 6th – SIMSOC Session –8:00 am to 5:00 pm
January 17th – Entrepreneur and Finance Session – 8:00 am to 4:30pm
February 14th – Local Government Session – 8:00 am to 4:30pm
March 7th – State Government Session (Nashville) –7:00 am to 5:00pm
April 10th – Farewell Session – 8:00 am to 4:30pm
Program Graduation Certificates will be presented at each high school’s Awards Day in May
If you need any accomodations or assistance with completing the online application, we will gladly offer our help. Please reach out to our office by emailing emma@lawcotn.com or ben@lawcotn.com.