LSA APPLICATION CRITERIA
LSA seeks a diverse group of individuals dedicated to serving their community. The program focuses on delivering already proven industry leaders an opportunity to develop an understanding of the promise and challenges of our community. The program goes beyond personal and professional development and, as its goal, educates and informs leaders in the vital areas affecting the Alamo Region, as well as encouraging Chamber Business involvement and Community advocacy.
LSA’s Mission: LSA is a partnership program between the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the goal of educating and motivating business leaders to become involved in the Chambers’ Councils and Committees, to be an advocate for the business community, and spark a volunteer spirit in our local community, boards, and programs.
LSA is limited to approximately 56 participants annually. Acceptance into the program is based on a subjective assessment of the information each applicant provides on their application as well as a second round in-person interview, if selected. The LSA Selection Committee is comprised of Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Leadership, as well as Leadership San Antonio Alumni who serve as Steering Committee Mentors. The selection is highly competitive with more applicants than class positions, therefore applicants who are not accepted are highly encouraged to reapply the following year.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Only one applicant per sponsoring organization or company will be accepted. LSA will not accept multiple applicants from the same organization. Please work with your supervisor, human resource professional, or appropriate leader within your organization to ensure this policy is followed.
- No applications from political entities (City, County, State, Federal) will be reviewed for selection during a year in which there will be an election cycle.
- Have lived in and/or worked in the San Antonio area for at least one year at the time of the application.
- Persons related by marriage may not apply for the same class year.
- Must be a member in good standing of one of the sponsoring Chambers of Commerce (either the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – membership in both is encouraged). If not a member, you will have 30 days from class member selection to join and remain in good standing throughout the entire LSA year. Failure to remain a member will jeopardize participation in LSA and/or final graduation.
- Must not have an immediate family member (parent, sibling, significant other) serving on the LSA Steering Committee for the upcoming class year.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Show a sincere interest in and commitment to improving the community through professional business advocacy and personal involvement and engagement.
- Have the desire to increase service to the business community through holding key leadership positions.
- Present a clear vision for the development and growth of San Antonio’s business community.
- Attend and actively participate in Councils and Committees of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and/or the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
PROGRAM COST:
- Applicants must submit a $75 non-refundable application fee due with completed application.
- Class members accepted into LSA must submit a non-refundable tuition fee of $2750.00 payable to the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce before the first day of the Opening Retreat on January 19, 2024.
- If accepted to the class, individual class members are responsible for their full financial obligation. Tuition can be paid from their sponsoring organization (company) or individually and there should be no expectation of financial assistance or scholarships.
- Failure to commit to the financial obligation prior to the Opening Retreat on January 19, 2024 will be cause for removal from the LSA 48 cohort.
If not already a member of either sponsoring Chamber, a separate membership fee will be required which will vary upon desired level of membership within 30 days of notice of selection.
Serving on the LSA Steering Committee has been one of the best opportunities to serve San Antonio in my public career. It has forced me to get outside of my comfort zone, work with a diverse group of aspiring leaders as well as allowed me to continue learning about this amazing city I call home! LSA is more than a program, it is a family. Whenever I am in a pinch, personally or professionally, because of LSA I do not have to look far for the knowledge, expertise or support to get me through it!