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Leadership Ridgecrest is a 10 month program of the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce designed to offer participants from the broader Ridgecrest community an opportunity to gain valuable experience, training and mentoring throughout the varied leadership styles and expressions in our varied workplaces, community organizations, and civic institutions.

MISSION AND PURPOSE

The mission of Leadership Ridgecrest is to propel, inspire and motivate emerging leaders in Ridgecrest and East Kern County by identifying, training, and connecting them with current and future community leaders.

GOALS/OUTCOMES

Following participation in Leadership Ridgecrest, participants will have experienced:

  • A multi-faceted leadership training program.

  • A hands-on collaborative program which provides extensive interaction with community leaders.

  • Leadership opportunities in the areas of: community outreach, education, training, mentoring and networking with local leaders from a variety of backgrounds and fields.

  • Opportunity to gain insights from the lives, experiences, and stories of those who have accomplished extraordinary things in our community.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are now available.

Schedule of classes (all are Friday with exception of February)

August, 28, 2026, September 18, 2026; October 16, 2026; November 13, 2026; December 11, 2026; January 22, 2027; February 25, 2027 (Thursday class to attend the Economic Outlook Conference); March 19, 2027; April 16, 2027; May 7, 2027; June 4, 2027 (TENTATIVE Graduation)

Apply now
 

FAQs

  • The program is open to all Ridgecrest area residents over the age of 18.

  • Tuition is $1000 for Ridgecrest Chamber members (or employees of members) and $1200 for non-members.

  • Attendance on the first class day is mandatory. Missing the first class day (August 28, 2026) or more than two full-day absences, counted in half- day (1/2) increments during the program will result in being dropped from the program with no tuition refund.

 
““I bragged about my day with my colleagues and am excited for the next meeting. I feel honored to be a part of this.””
— Steph
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