Apply to the LNH Class of ’27

This overview is intended to help prospective applicants to the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2027 understand the program experience, including time commitment, schedule, tuition, and key expectations. The information below is designed to support informed decision-making throughout the application process. Application Deadline is March 15, 2026. Details and info can be found below. If you still have questions, please email Mandy Sliver, Associate Director, at mandy@leadershipnh.org to set up a conversation.

Dates

Times

Cost

Program Dates & Topics. The program consists of 11 full day program sessions, including 2 -3 overnight stays. In addition, there is a Welcome Reception, various additional tours and site visits (TBA), and a Graduation Reception. Participation in a minimum of 10 full-day sessions is an expectation and is required for graduation. In the case of an emergency, participants should notify LNH staff and complete required make-up work. Continued engagement and effort to address missed time will ensure graduation eligibility.

Scheduled Dates. Full day sessions are located in various locations around the state and run from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

• June 18, 2026 Welcome Reception (5:00 – 7:00 pm)
• Sept. 16 – 17, 2026 Opening Retreat (Day 1), What is NH? (Day 2)
• Oct. 15, 2026 Environment, Energy & Sustainability
• Nov. 12, 2026 Education
• Dec. 10, 2026 Business & Economy
• January 7, 2027 Health & Healthcare
• February 4, 2027 Criminal Justice & Public Safety
• March 4, 2027 Government & Politics
• April 8, 2027 Arts & Culture
• May 13-14, 2027 North Country (Day 1), Final Program Day(Day 2)
• May 27, 2027 Graduation & Alumni Reception (5:00 – 8:00 pm)

Tuition: $4,500, due September 1, 2026. Payment accommodations/plans may be available upon request.

What’s included: All meals on program days, lodging for overnight sessions, and a thoughtfully designed leadership experience featuring immersive sessions, behind-the-scenes access, and meaningful connections across New Hampshire.

What’s not included: Travel expenses to and from program days across the state – locations will be announced in September. Participants are encouraged to carpool when possible, and LNH staff can help facilitate ride sharing.

Financial aid: Limited financial aid is available to reduce cost barriers for qualified participants. Applicants are encouraged to seek employer or external support first so assistance can be prioritized for those with the greatest need.

Scholarship process: Financial aid is awarded separately from program acceptance. Any award amount will be communicated at the time of acceptance, with time provided to review before committing.

How to Apply

Ready to apply for the LNH Class of 2027? The application is straightforward, includes a $45 fee, and can be completed in three easy steps:

• Online application and essay. Submit online as soon as possible to get the best choice for interview times.
• Reference letters. Two letters must be received by March 15, 2026.
• A personal interview. Scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis after application submission.

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

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The deadline for all application materials for the Class of 2027 is March 15, 2026. Once your application is received, we will contact you to set up your interview.

Step One: Application and 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 includes the following:

• Information about your professional background, community involvement, prior cohort experiences, and how you learned about Leadership New Hampshire.
• A 200–300 word essay reflecting on how the knowledge, perspectives, and relationships gained through LNH would strengthen your leadership impact in NH.
• Scheduling preferences and scholarship-related information to help ensure the application process is accessible and workable.

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 Bedford on March 23, 27, and 30, 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. A link to the Scholarship Application is provided in the program application and confirmation information.