Applications for the Class of 2023 Leadership Opportunity are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is January 28th, 2023.
Leadership Opportunity Smith County is a program designed to create community awareness, to encourage discussion of a wide range of issues and to develop leadership skills among participants. The Leadership programs consist of a day and a-half retreat in February, seven topic oriented one-day sessions and a graduation ceremony in October. Presentations include lectures, panel presentations, tours and a wide variety of group activities. Participants are given the opportunity to meet with county leaders and state officials representing a broad range of community interest and to explore issues of the interest to our county.
The opening retreat provides structured exercises and presentations which explore theories of leadership, problem solving skills and community goal-setting through group discussion and analysis. The one-day seminars held on the fourth Thursday of each month from March through September focus on a major areas of community life in Smith County. To graduate from this program class participants are required to attend the opening retreat and all program activities. Each Leadership class is asked to complete a class project after graduation.
The first Leadership Opportunity Smith County class 1999. Over 215 people have participated in Adult Leadership. A similar program for Youth is also available for high school students.
Tuition for Leadership Opportunity Smith County is $200. Many employers will sponsor a portion of the tuition. Tuition assistance is also available. Contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce 615-735-2093 to get an application or for more information. 
