MANSFIELD – Richland LEADS, affiliated with the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, is accepting applications and nominations for the 2027 class of Engage Richland, a six-month community leadership program for early-career professionals that was recently recognized as a 2026 Innovation Award Winner by the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP).
The national award, presented by ALP, recognizes Engage Richland as one of the most innovative leadership development programs in the country due to its two-layer mentor model.
Participants are both mentored by seasoned professionals and mentor youth in the community. This distinction sets it apart among community leadership initiatives and underscores the strength of the experience awaiting this year’s applicants.
Designed for professionals ages 18 to 35, Engage Richland helps participants grow as leaders, connect with their community, and build their network.
Through hands-on learning, local business tours, mentorship, and civic engagement, participants gain a firsthand understanding of Richland County while developing practical leadership skills grounded in BetterCulture’s 20 Tenets of Culture.
Engage Richland pairs interactive program days covering economic development, workforce trends, health and wellness, tourism, and local government with a six-month capstone project in which the cohort works with a youth-oriented nonprofit to solve a strategic issue.
Each participant also receives one-on-one mentorship matched to their career path, joins a diverse peer cohort drawn from across industries, and completes hands-on leadership training using BetterCulture’s 20 Tenets of Culture.
The program runs on second Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., October 2026 through March 2027, and is open to applicants ages 18 to 35, with the class limited to 20 participants. Applications are due August 14, 2026.
Tuition is $750 per participant, which includes a workbook and materials, and payment plans are available. The class will graduate at the Richland Young Professionals Annual Meeting.
“Being named a national Innovation Award Winner confirms what we’ve seen firsthand: Engage Richland gives young professionals real tools, real relationships, and a real stake in this community,” said Angie Cirone, Executive Director.
“We’re looking for our next class of early-career professionals who are ready to grow as leaders and invest in Richland County.”
Graduates of Engage Richland return to their organizations with renewed motivation, actionable insights, and a deeper commitment to strengthening both their workplace and their community, positioning them for future volunteer and board leadership roles across the region.
Individuals may apply directly or be nominated by an employer, colleague, or community member.
Applications are due Aug. 14, 2026. Full program details and the application are available at richlandareachamber.com/workforce/engage-richland/.
About Engage Richland
Engage Richland is a program of Richland LEADS and the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development that empowers early-career professionals to grow as leaders, connect with their community, and gain meaningful mentorship.
In 2026, the program was named an Innovation Award Winner by the Association of Leadership Programs.