Nominate a Candidate

Know a great leader? Nominate them for LNH! If you know someone who would be a strong fit for Leadership New Hampshire, we invite you to submit a nomination. We’ll follow up with them directly to share application details.

Nominations are accepted year-round, and while they’re appreciated, they’re not required to apply.

How to Apply

Applications for the Class of 2026 are now closed. Applications for the Class of 2027 will open in January 2026.

The LNH application, for which there is a $45 fee, has three steps:

  • an online essay
  • two reference letters
  • a personal interview

This process provides us with an opportunity to get to know the candidate, their ideas, their goals, and desires for improving/enriching their community and the state of New Hampshire.

Before applying, please review the program information and related FAQs, which include information on tuition cost, time commitment and attendance policy, and other important details.

The deadline for all application materials for the Class of 2027 is March 15, 2026.

Step One: Essay

Leadership New Hampshire values participants who are eager to learn, share their knowledge, and work collaboratively for the betterment of New Hampshire.

Your application must include a brief essay in response to the following:

  • What issue or topic most engages you personally, and why does it matter to New Hampshire?
  • How would your participation in LNH amplify your ability to impact this issue or others facing the state?
  • What unique expertise or perspective do you bring to Leadership New Hampshire? How do you envision using this to contribute to the betterment of your cohort and the state?

Step Two: Letters of Reference

Leadership New Hampshire values participants who are eager to learn, share their knowledge, and work collaboratively for the betterment of New Hampshire.

Reference Letters should address the following:

  • Specific examples of your demonstrated leadership abilities in professional, community, or other settings.
  • Ways that you have made contributions to your community and/or to New Hampshire as a whole.
  • Your commitment to working collaboratively with others to tackle challenges and improve the state.

Letters can be written by professional or personal contacts who know you well and can speak to the qualities outlined above. They can be relatives or friends. You may be asked during your interview why you chose these two individuals and what they mean to you.

Note: You can upload the letters as part of your application or they can be emailed directly to info@leadershipnh.org. Both letters must be received by March 15, 2026, for your application to be considered complete. 

Step Three: Interview

Interviews for the Class of 2027 will be conducted in a southern New Hampshire location TBD at toward the end of March 2026. You will receive an email to schedule your interview time after you submit your application essay and fee. If you require other accommodations (such as a different date or location) the LNH staff will work with you to find a solution.

Interviews are one hour and are conducted by two (2) members of the LNH alumni community. Instructions for the interview will be sent via email with a confirmation of the date, time, and location.

Optional: Scholarship Application

Leadership New Hampshire aims to create the “best class ever” each year. To this end, LNH is committed to ensuring that financial aid is available to lower the barrier of cost for participants who would otherwise be unable to join the program. As our financial aid resources are limited, however, every dollar awarded to one applicant reduces the amount available to others. As such, we encourage applicants to thoughtfully assess their need and seek employer, personal, and external support first, allowing us to prioritize those for whom other funding options are unavailable.

This scholarship process (the deadline for which is also March 15, 2026) is separate from the program’s acceptance process and candidates will be notified of any award amount at the time of their acceptance to the program. Accepted candidates will have time to review the award amount before a commitment to participate is required.