LAC Purpose
The LAC program is designed to identify, develop, and motivate new leadership for the Aiken County community. Program objectives are accomplished through a competitive selection process, intensive team-building activities, and exposure to local issues, regional resources, and various County leaders. Participants learn more about the critical issues of the community than many lifelong residents. LAC offers an intensive and up-close look at various sectors/areas of the community, from the larger cities of North Augusta and Aiken to the rural towns and unincorporated areas. Participants in LAC have the opportunity to explore and analyze issues that impact their county, while focusing on fundamental leadership principles. In addition to examining leadership roles in political, social and economic affairs, participants will get the chance to interact with a variety of community leaders. LAC guarantees increased understanding and change within each participant.

Leadership graduates join a growing network of alumni who are valued participants in the community and in the governmental activities that will determine the future of Aiken County.


Program Format
Beginning with a mandatory three-day overnight retreat in early October, the class develops an esprit-de-corps which will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs. They also take an active role in developing the program of activities for the months to follow, including five mandatory assignments, a class project, and committee participation.

For nine months, the group meets for day-long sessions one per month to explore issues, problems, and opportunities facing Aiken County today and in the future.

Time commitment
Nine-month curriculum October through June focusing on community information and issues

  • Opening retreat (mandatory attendance) in early October
  • Full-day monthly sessions (normally on the third Tuesday of each month) October through June
  • Class community impact project outside class time
  • Some study group assignments outside class time
  • A closing review/summation of the program at the last monthly session
  • A graduation ceremony designed for and by class members


What is required? To participate in LAC, you will need to:

  • Have demonstrated commitment (or be willing to commit), through past and present activities, to help shape the future of our region
  • Commit the time and energy to complete the program.
  • Have the backing and full support from your company or organization


Session topics
Session topics are presented through a variety of lectures, debate, discussion groups, field experiences, simulations, workshops, and case studies. Topics may include:

  • Opening Retreat – Team Building & Simsoc (Simulated Society)
  • History of Aiken County/Horse Industry
  • Cultural Awareness/Diversity
  • Human Services
  • Economic Development/Industry
  • Health Care
  • Government
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement
  • Sustaining Quality of Life 

Participants
Each LAC class is made up of approximately thirty people who are representative of various segments of the community at large. Previous and potential community service and involvement are considered in the selection process.

Applicants are usually sponsored by current leaders in business, industry, the professions, or government; self-employed individuals are also encouraged to apply. Candidates should be residents of Aiken County and/or employed in Aiken County, possess an interest in the community, and have a desire to use the knowledge gained from this program to improve Aiken County. The class size is limited, and notice of acceptance will be mailed to applicants.

Tuition
Tuition for the program is $600 per person and covers all costs for the retreat, sessions, and graduation (including meals). Employers usually pay participant’s tuition, although some individuals pay their own tuition.

A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available each year in order to include individuals otherwise unable to participate. Applicants should submit a letter stating the reasons for scholarship consideration with the application.


Why LAC? What's in it for you, and for your employer?

Upon completion of LAC, participants will have:

  • Strengthened leadership abilities.
  • Skills to can increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Access to an informed network of colleagues for individual, business, and community problem-solving.
  • Exposure to current and future community leaders who are committed to concepts of 21 st Century leadership.
  • An understanding of the realities, opportunities, and challenges of our community, as well as solutions and alternatives for dealing with them.
  • An opportunity to position their business as an organization that is committed to improving the community.
  • A greater knowledge of the region and its leaders.
  • An opportunity to become involved with and bring about positive change in our community.