Application—Class of 2025

Please read this information carefully and
in its entirety before applying.

NOTE: If you have any difficulty filling out this form, please try clearing history and cookies, or try a different web browser. If this does not fix the problem, contact Louise Shirley at louise@bendchamber.org to get a full list of questions that you can submit via email.

NEXTUp Leaders is open to both Bend Chamber members and non-members.

About NEXTUp Leaders

NEXTUp Leaders is an extension of the highly regarded 31-year Leadership Bend program and a bridge from our Bend Emerging Talent (formerly Young Professionals) programming. Local employers have voiced a need for support in developing promising talent within their workplaces, allowing them to deepen their bench of leaders, retain key hires, and promote from within. The program will help equip developing managers with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to effectively lead in the new and changing workplace.

Program Goals

This program serves emerging leaders in organizations of all sizes, specifically for those transitioning from being individual contributors to team and project managers—and employers looking to upskill and retain these rising leaders. The primary focus is on leadership philosophy, skill development and strategy. The cohort will be informed by a variety of community and business leaders. Each participant will complete a personal leadership project to address real life workplace challenges, identifying root causes and potential solutions.

Application Requirements and Guidelines

Due Monday, Nov 4, 11:59 pm Pacific time.

Applications received later will not be accepted.

In-Person Orientation Retreat and Session Days

Orientation is a retreat from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Hanai Foundation. Attendance is required. Mark your calendar now!

NEXTUp Leaders half-day sessions are every other Wednesday, 12:30 to 5:00 PM. Check all dates listed below to be sure you can commit. The graduation celebration will be held the morning of May 15.

All sessions are in person.

Dates

Please review carefully, and block out all dates on your calendar.

January 22, Opening Retreat

February 12

February 26

March 12

March 26

April 9

April 23

May 7

May 15, Graduation

The Opening Retreat will take place at the Hanai Foundation from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Sessions will take place at Obsidian Hall, OSU Cascades, from 12:30 to 5:00 PM.

The Graduation Breakfast will take place at Aspen Hall, Shevlin Park, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.

Projects

In addition to regular class, NEXTUp participants will complete an individual project that helps them to apply their learning to a real-world challenge relevant to them. For example, perhaps their organization is struggling to adapt to its rapid growth. The project would consist of investigating the nature of the challenge—what about the growth is difficult? Do different stakeholder view this differently?—and exploring potential solutions or ways to resolve some of the difficulties encountered.

Selection

All applicants will be notified mid-November, 2024. Selection is based upon review of the entire application package.

We anticipate a significant number of high-quality applications for the limited available spots. We encourage those applicants not accepted into the program for 2025 to apply again the following year.

Successful candidates will possess the following attributes:

Be curious and willing to stretch their comfort zone!
Be ready to speak in front of and within groups around a variety of topics.
Be prepared to dig in to difficult and potentially uncomfortable issues, through a leadership lens.
Always come with a growth mindset, empathy for others, and readiness to ask questions and engage with the leaders of the day.

Tuition

Tuition is due prior to the first session. When finances pose a barrier to attendance, tuition assistance is available. Please review the tuition assistance form below for details, then complete and upload the form with this application. Contact Louise Shirley at louise@bendchamber.org for more information.

Bend Chamber member: $2,200

Non-member (cost includes Chamber membership for applicant's entire organization): $2,675

I confirm that I have read the above information, understand the purpose of NEXTUp Leaders, and am available on all scheduled class dates and retreat.

SECTION ONE — Personal Data (note, all information is confidential)

Name

Preferred Pronouns

Business or Organization

Supervisor Name

Supervisor Phone

Supervisor Email

Business Address

Home Address

Applicant Phone

Applicant Email

Date of Birth

YYYY

Length of Residence in Central Oregon (years)

Section Two — Education

High School — Name and Location

Dates (from-to)

College or Other Specialized Training Name and Location

Dates (from-to)

Major and Degree/Certificate Acquired

Additional College or Other Specialized Training Name and Location

Dates (from-to)

Major and Degree/Certificate Acquired

Have you had any leadership training?

None

A little

Some

A lot

If so, please describe

Have you ever participated in a leadership style or skill assessment? If so, which assessment/tool(s)?

Section Three — Employment

What is your current employment status?

Employed

Self-Employed

Unemployed

Student

Please upload your complete resume, including current/past employment AND your business/professional affiliations.

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Section Four — Community Involvement

Please list your community, civic, religious, political, government, social, athletic or other ways you actively participate in your community. List most recent first, including the name of the organization/group, your role/responsibilities, and the rough date range of your participation.

What kinds of community activities would you like to become involved with in the future? Examples might include City Council, Planning Commission (city or county), School Board, Chamber Boards and Councils, City/County Task Forces, Nonprofit Boards of Directors, other...

Section Five — Application Questions

Why are you applying, and how do you envision the NEXTUp Leaders program helping you reach your personal and professional goals?

What do you think are the TOP THREE skills a leader should possess?

Please describe a professional challenge and how you addressed it. What did you learn?

What THREE to FIVE leadership skills or behaviors would you like to develop to serve you better in your current professional life and as you imagine your future leadership contributions in work, community and personal life?

Describe 2 or 3 of your personal strengths.

Section Six — References

Please upload two reference letters, one professional and one personal.

Professional Reference

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Personal Reference

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Section Seven — Commitment Form

A commitment form, signed by the applicant, and the applicant's supervisor, is required. Please download the commitment form, sign, scan and upload below.

Commitment Form Upload

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Section Eight — Tuition Assistance

When possible, we do not want financial considerations to keep qualified individuals from participating. Scholarships are available on a limited basis. Applicants with a potential need for financial assistance are encouraged to seek additional funding (or sponsorship sources) prior to submission and utilize opportunities to be accountable to the investment. Please download, complete and upload this form to help evaluate your tuition needs.

Tuition Assistance Upload

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Verification