Lincoln Vibrant Communities Teams Program, October 2025

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 application form will open on November 3. Applications are due January 6, 2026. The program begins on January 28, 2026, in Chicago.