Leadership Institute
San Diego Leadership Alliance Institute Quick Facts
What is the SDLA Institute?
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance (SDLA) is a local nonprofit dedicated to building progressive leadership in San Diego.
- The SDLA’s flagship program is the SDLA Institute, a six-month intensive skills and relationship building program for progressive young professionals.
- The SDLA Institute includes the following elements:
- Personal leadership development
- Skill building in multiple areas, including policy analysis, political management, messaging, and strategic communications
- Training on fundraising for politics and nonprofits
- Application of fundraising skills via organizing a fellows’ fundraiser
- Spotlight speaker visits from local elected officials and prominent progressive leaders
- Networking events with the Institute class, the SDLA board, and the larger SDLA network
Who should apply for the SDLA Institute?
- The SDLA Institute is for progressive young professionals and emerging leaders.
- Institute Fellows have a demonstrated capacity to take risks and make meaningful change in the world around them.
- The SDLA Institute is not just for political professionals, but also for those in business, law, education, defense, and the non-profit and philanthropic sectors.
- Applicants should review the Institute schedule prior to applying, as all Fellows are expected to be present for the entirety of each Institute session.
How do I apply for the next SDLA Institute?
- The application period for the 2027 SDLA Institute is now open:
- Nominations will be accepted until applications close, to nominate: https://www.sdleadership.org/nominations
- Applicants must be members of the SDLA ($30) to apply, and there is a $200 deposit to participate. The $200 deposit is returned to Fellows after they complete the Institute.
How do I learn more about SDLA?
INFO SESSIONS: If you'd like to learn more about the SDLA Institute, consider joining an info session during this application season. Info sessions are virtual on Zoom at the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, Oct. 6th at 6:30pm: In-Person
- Tuesday, Oct.13th at 6:30pm: Via Zoom
- Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 6:30pm: In-Person
- Tuesday, Oct. 27th at 6:30pm: Via Zoom
- Thursday, Nov. 5th at 6:30pm: Via Zoom
If you are interested in joining us for any of these please
register here!
Please contact
selections@sdleadership.org
if you have any additional questions!
How else can I help out the SDLA’s mission?
- Nominate candidates for the SDLA Institute here.
- Become a member here.
- Email hello@sandiegoleadership.org to:
- Host an Institute session or event
- Participate in a committee
Who runs SDLA?
- The SDLA is a nonprofit, run by local volunteers.
- The San Diego Leadership Alliance is managed by a a board of 15 members, click here to learn more about the board.
2027 Institute Dates
SESSIONS 1 & 2
Saturday & Sunday
January 23 & January 24
Happy Hour to follow with Fellows only
SESSION 3
Saturday
February 6
SESSION 4
Saturday
February 27
SESSION 5
Saturday
March 13
SESSION 6
Saturday
March 20
SESSION 7
Saturday
April 3
SESSION 8
Saturday
April 17
SESSION 9
Saturday
May 8
FELLOWS FUNDRAISER
Mid-May 2027
SESSION 10
Saturday
May 22