Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program, May 2026

The Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program is a 24-week program designed for teams of four to six individuals committed to tackling a real-world challenge in their communities. Utilizing concepts from the Lincoln Vibrant Communities Fellows and Communities of Excellence 2026’s Building Strong Teams for CollaborACTION programs, this initiative provides structured support, expert coaching, and collaboration opportunities to drive impactful solutions.

Participants will engage in immersive in-person education; an online leadership curriculum; and specialized coursework covering scenario planning, data visualization, strategic communication, conflict mediation, and policy development. The program culminates in a nine-credit graduate certificate in Advanced Public Sector Leadership, providing a pathway for further academic and professional growth, as well as a consultant-grade plan for community impact.

Through applied learning, expert-led discussions, and collaboration, teams will develop innovative solutions to enhance resilience and inspire impactful change. Graduates join a national network of leaders dedicated to fostering sustainable, engaged communities.

The online application form will open on March 17, 2026. Applications are due by April 21, 2026. The program begins on May 13, 2026, in Chicago, IL. A limited number of early applicants will receive a Claremont Lincoln University sweatshirt to celebrate joining the next cohort of leaders.

This program, which is partially underwritten, costs $1,500 per participant. Please see the application guidelines for further details.