Applications are open for Ignite Louisville’s 2024 leadership progam

Blaze your leadership trail during this immersive course.

Group of people holding trophies in the shape of a flame.

At the end of the program, teams present their project to a panel in an effort to win grant money for their nonprofit partner.

Photo by Kaitlyn Clay

Ignite Louisville, a competitive leadership program by the Leadership Louisville Center, is accepting applications for its 2024 class. Since 2004, Ignite Louisville has helped young professionals further their careers during a six-month program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and a retreat.

Think of it as a masterclass for leadership. Accepted participants will learn skills to make them a better team member and leader — plus the experience looks great on a resume. The program is designed for mid-level leaders (ages 25-45) looking to take their career to the next level or make an impact within their current company or community.

Group of people holding a two-by-four in the woods.

Ignite Louisville includes hands-on leadership learning experience.

Photo by Kaitlyn Clay

To give you a better picture of Ignite Louisville, the class of Spring 2023 included Louisvillians from companies and organizations like Humana, Louisville Public Media, Jefferson County Public Schools, and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Here’s a deeper look at what you’ll do:

  • Attend an opening two-day retreat.
  • Learn from credentialed trainers from LeadingBetter™ + leaders from some of Louisville’s most successful companies — like Brown-Forman — on topics like innovation, creative thinking, and DEI.
  • Hear from corporate and nonprofit leaders from around the region.
  • Partner with a local nonprofit on a project and compete for grant money during the Ignite Louisville Challenge.

Tuition costs $4,200 for the class, which takes place at various locations around the city from October 2023 to April 2024, but tuition assistance is available if your employer is unable to support your participation. Applications are due Saturday, July 29.

A free virtual info session will be on Wednesday, June 7, 11-11:30 a.m. for interested people to get a feel for the experience — just be sure to register. Can’t make the session? Reach out to Engagement Manager Sara Brown.

More from LOUtoday
It pays to plan ahead.
You may have heard of Little Free Libraries, but this international movement is working to bring free films to people in its path.
Café LOUIE is a series of informal meetings designed to facilitate conversation between Louisvillians and both local and state officials.
Locals can take advantage of discounts + deals from Jan. 23-Feb. 1
If you’re taking a break from the booze this January, try these
Airbnb’s travel predictions for the year + how you can take part starting in Louisville.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Let’s take a look at LOUtoday’s most-read articles of 2025.
Good tidings they bring to you and your gin.