Applications for Class 13 of 2026 are Due by Friday, December 12th, 2025
Leadership St. Bernard is a leadership program designed to educate and to engage citizens in identifying needs, resources, & opportunities for St. Bernard Parish. The purpose is to provide a forum that motivates & increases the awareness of potential leaders by giving them an intensive course which encompasses a broad scope of community concerns.
Leadership St. Bernard began in 2014 and since then we have graduated over 300 amazing individuals from this program.
Participation Requirements
All applications and application fees must be received by the stated deadline to be considered.
Participants must commit to the full program. Please note that no refunds will be issued.
Individuals who do not meet attendance requirements will not graduate from the program.
Attendance at the full-day orientation is mandatory.
Participants may miss one class out of the eight total sessions.
Attendance at both the graduation ceremony and reception is required in order to receive the parish proclamation of completion and the official Leadership St. Bernard Trophy.
Any absence due to special circumstances must be communicated with the Executive Director for consideration.
Program Tuition Cost
$10 Application Fee - Will be invoiced to the email provided on the application via Paypal.
$300 St. Bernard Chamber Members
$400 Non-Members
*Application Fee will be applied to full tuition amount for those accepted into the 2026 Leadership St. Bernard Class. Tuition must be paid in full by the class orientation on January 22nd, 2026.
Any questions can be addressed then or may be directed to the Rhett Pritchard the Executive Director of St. Bernard Chamber at rhett@stbernardchamber.org or by calling (504) 277- 4001
Applications are open to everyone, but special consideration will be granted to those who reside or work in St. Bernard Parish.
Applications will be reviewed by the Leadership St. Bernard Selection Committee which is comprised of Leadership St. Bernard Alumni and St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce staff. The 2026 Class will be limited to 30 participants.
2026 Class Schedule (Tentative)
MEET & GREET SOCIAL (Optional)
January 15th from 5 PM – 7 PM @ TBD
Before orientation kicks off, participants are invited to a casual meet and greet at a local favorite spot. This relaxed evening sets the stage for the program by giving classmates the chance to connect with one another, network with alumni, Chamber members, and community leaders, and ask questions in an informal setting. It’s also the perfect way to shake off any “first day jitters” before the program officially begins.
Orientation
January 22nd from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM @ Docville Farm – AMROC Building
Orientation is designed to help participants discover their personal leadership style and better understand their peers. Before the session, each student completes an Emergenetics Profile, which provides insight into communication preferences and approaches to daily tasks. The session is led by The Slone Group, who break down each participant’s profile and explore the results, allowing everyone to discover their own learning styles, work styles, and more. By diving into these insights together, the class gains a deeper understanding of themselves and one another, setting the foundation for meaningful connections throughout the program. Lunch will be provided at orientation.
Session 1 – History of St. Bernard
February 12th from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM @ Los Islenos Museum Complex
The first session takes participants back to the roots of St. Bernard Parish with Parish Historian Bill Hyland leading a fascinating look at its cartographic history. From there, the class explores pivotal moments such as the Battle of New Orleans, the legacy of Fazendeville, and the parish’s journey of resilience and recovery after Hurricane Katrina. The day concludes with a history lesson on the Isleños people and a guided tour of the Isleños Museum, offering a meaningful connection to the culture and traditions that continue to shape our community. Lunch will be provided.
Session 2 – Governmental Affairs
February 26th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office
In Session 2, participants meet an array of public officials, including St. Bernard Parish leaders, Council members, Judges, Justices of the Peace, and Constables. Through a series of panels and discussions, students gain a firsthand understanding of local government and the roles these officials play in shaping the parish. Each panel includes time for questions, encouraging participants to engage directly with elected leaders and deepen their knowledge of civic processes. Lunch will be provided.
Session 3 – Industry & Development
March 12th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ St. Bernard Parish Hospital
This session explores the forces shaping business and economic growth in St. Bernard. Through panels and discussions, participants hear from leaders across small, medium, and large companies as they address current challenges and opportunities in industry and workforce development. Participants will also get to learn about the hospital and the resources it provides to our community, ending the session with a tour of the Hospital. This session offers valuable insight into how local businesses are adapting, innovating, and driving the parish forward. Lunch will be provided.
Session 4 – Coastal Conversations
March 26th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ The Wharf on Bienvenue
In Session 4, participants explore the vital role St. Bernard’s coastline plays in the health and future of our community. Experts share insights into ongoing preservation and restoration efforts, highlighting both the challenges and the progress being made. The session is designed to spark meaningful dialogue around sustainability and resilience, with the goal of closing the day with a boat tour of Bayou Bienvenue. Snacks will be provided.
Session 5 – Education
April 9th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ Nunez Community College
Session 5 highlights the strengths of St. Bernard’s school system and community college network. Panelists share insights on the wide range of programs and resources available to students, as well as supportive services for families. Ending with a tour of the College, this session showcases how education in our parish is preparing the next generation and strengthening the community as a whole.
Session 6 – Diversity
April 23rd from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM @ The Crevasse 22 | River House
In this session, participants explore key topics such as inclusion, equity versus equality, micro-messaging, and unconscious bias. Led by The Slone Group, the class engages in a series of exercises and guided conversations designed to deepen understanding of what diversity truly means and how it impacts both personal and professional interactions. Through active participation, students gain practical insights to foster a more inclusive community. Lunch will be provided.
Session 7 – Culture & Tourism Bus Tour
May 14th from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM @ Aycock Barn
This bus tour takes participants from the parish line to the iconic End of the World in Delacroix, showcasing why St. Bernard Parish is New Orleans’ most historic neighbor. Guided by Parish Historian Bill Hyland, students make several stops to explore landmarks and learn the stories behind them. This immersive experience gets participants out of the classroom and into the community, blending history, culture, and local insights for a richer understanding of the parish. Lunch will be provided.
Session 8 – How To Get Involved
May 28th from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM @ Chalmette High School Cultural Arts Building
After six months of learning about St. Bernard and developing their leadership skills, participants conclude the program by focusing on the next step: active community involvement. Representatives from local non-profits join the session to introduce their organizations and share opportunities to get involved. Graduates are encouraged to connect with at least one organization, continuing their leadership journey and making a meaningful impact within St. Bernard Parish. The session concludes with a tour of the Cultural Arts Center at Chalmette High, highlighting local arts and culture as a cornerstone of the community.
Graduation
June 11th from 5 PM – 7 PM @ Docville Farm – AMROC Building
Graduates may bring one guest, with additional tickets available for purchase. Food and refreshments will be provided during the celebration. Participants will receive their official Parish Proclamation certificate recognizing completion of the program, along with their Leadership St. Bernard trophy, commemorating their achievement and dedication to the community.
