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Corona University Leadership Program
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Corona University Leadership Program
Grow your leadership. Strengthen your impact.
The Corona University Leadership Program is a six-month cohort experience designed for employees who want to strengthen their ability to lead people, influence outcomes, navigate organizational challenges, and contribute to high-performing teams.
The program includes two cohorts:
- Emerging Leaders, for employees who are not currently in a management position
- Managers, for employees who currently serve in a management position
Program at a Glance
September 2026 through March 2027
Emerging Leaders
Schedule: Tuesdays, 1pm-3pm or 2pm-4pm
Session Length: Two hours per session
Total Instructional Hours: 24 hours
Managers
Schedule: Wednesdays, 8am–12pm or 1pm–5pm
Session Length: Four hours per session
Total Instructional Hours: 48 hours
The program concludes with a Commencementceremony on April 15, 2027.
Emerging Leaders Cohort:
For employees who are not currently managers
The Emerging Leaders Cohort is designed for employees who want to prepare for future leadership opportunities and strengthen their ability to lead through initiative, credibility, collaboration, and influence.
Participants will explore how to:
- Build influence without formal authority
- Navigate workplace relationships and conflict
- Communicate ideas and solutions effectively
- Contribute to a positive and engaged workplace
- Understand City systems and leadership expectations
- Seek feedback, mentoring, and career-development opportunities
- Define and communicate their personal leadership approach
Schedule: Two Tuesday sessions per month
Session length: 1-3 PM or 2-4 PM
Total instructional time: Approximately 24 hours
Explore the different session topics and dates here »
Managers Cohort:
For employees who currently manage others
The Managers Cohort is designed for current managers who want to strengthen how they lead employees, build accountability, make decisions, coach performance, manage risk, and create an engaged team culture.
Participants will learn how to:
- Delegate effectively and build accountability
- Coach, motivate, and develop employees
- Navigate conflict and difficult conversations
- Make thoughtful and inclusive decisions
- Apply City policies in supervisory situations
- Use authority and influence responsibly
- Strengthen executive presence and strategic communication
Schedule: Two Wednesday sessions per month
Session length: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Total instructional time: Approximately 48 hours
Explore the different session topics and dates here »
What You Will Learn
Build practical leadership skills you can apply immediately while strengthening your ability to lead people, navigate challenges, and influence positive outcomes across the City.
Explore the detailed leadership program curriculum here »
Application Requirements
To apply, you must complete all four parts of the application:
1. Complete the Interest Form
Provide your current position, cohort selection, and other requested background information.
2. Submit a 1/2 Page Essay
Your essay should address both of thefollowing questions:
- Why are you interested in participating in the Leadership Program?
- Why would you be a strong candidate forthe program?
3. Submit a Leadership Endorsement Letter
The endorsementletter must be:
- Written by your direct supervisor
- Signed by your Department Director
- Submitted as part of your completed application
Applicants should speak with their supervisor early enough to allow sufficient time forthe letter to be written, reviewed, signed, and submitted:
4. Complete the Career Planning Goal Worksheet
The worksheet will help you reflect on your professional goals and identify what you hope to gain from the program. Please download and complete this worksheet.
The official application requires the interest form, a one-half page essay, a supervisor endorsement letter signed by the Department Director, and a completed career-planning goal worksheet.
How to Submit Your Application:
All application materials will be submitted through one Microsoft Forms application.
The first section of the form will ask you to provide your background information, select your cohort, and answer questions about your current role and interest in the program. You will then be prompted to upload the remaining required application materials:
- One-half page essay
- Supervisor endorsement letter signed by your Department Director
- Completed Career Planning Goal Worksheet
Your application will not be considered complete until the form has been submitted with all required materials.
Ready to Apply?
Please submit your Leadership Program Application here: https://forms.office.com/g/WQbgAebxz0
Application Timeline:
July 16th - Leadership Program applications open
August 6th by 12:00 p.m. – Completed applications due
August 18-20th – Application decisions released
August 27th by 6PM – Offer of Acceptance due
After You Apply:
Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline. Applicants will receive a notice indicating whether they have been selected for the program.
Employees who are accepted must formally confirm their participation by:
- Reviewing the Offer of Acceptance
- Signing the Leadership and Organizational Practice Cohort Commitment Letter
- Returning the signed commitment letter to Kayla Parker via email by the acceptance deadline (August 27th by 6PM)
Acceptance into the cohort is not complete until the signed commitment letter has been submitted
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions (Click to Expand)
Who can apply?
All full-time employees at the City of Corona are encouraged to apply. The Emerging Leaders Cohort is for employees who do not currently hold a management position. The Managers Cohort is for employees who currently serve in a management position.
Is there a cost?
No. Corona University is a free, non-accredited internal training program available to City of Corona employees.
Do I need my supervisor’s support?
Yes. A complete application must include a letter of endorsement written by the applicant’s direct supervisor and signed by the Department Director.
Can I submit the application before receiving my endorsement letter?
The application is not complete until all required materials have been submitted. Applicants should request their endorsement letter early.
How long should the essay be?
The essay should be approximately one-half page and explain why you are interested in the program and why you would be a strong candidate.
What happens after I am accepted?
Selected employees must sign and return the Leadership and Organizational Practice Cohort Commitment Letter by the Offer of Acceptance deadline.
What if I cannot attend every session?
Because this is a cohort-based program and each session builds on previous learning, applicants should review the full calendar and confirm their availability before applying. We understand that unexpected emergencies may arise; however, participants are expected to make every effort to attend all scheduled sessions.
How do I apply?
Submit your application materials by August 6th at 12PM.
Questions?
For assistance with the program or application process, contact:
Kayla Parker
Organizational Training & Development Officer
kayla.parker@coronaca.gov