Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP)

A Comprehensive Course in Local Leadership.

BLP seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed and competent to address community challenges and improve the quality of life in the Berkshires.

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About Berkshire Leadership Program

Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed and competent to address community challenges and improve the quality of life in the Berkshires. More than 660 community-minded individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1997. Each year, up to 30 candidates are selected to participate in the program. The cost of tuition is $800.

In-person weekly sessions are held at various locations throughout Berkshire County from 5:00-9:00pm on Thursday evenings. You are expected to attend all of the weekly sessions. Missing more than 15 minutes of a session is considered a ½ absence. Participants who have more than two absences will be withdrawn from the program and will forfeit their tuition.

BLP Application Form

Applications for the 2025 Berkshire Leadership Program have closed.

2025 Session Schedule

*Retreat: Friday & Saturday, April 25 and 26 (8:00am – 6:00pm each day)
*Kick-off Session: Thursday, May 1 – Economic Development – Berkshire County Bus Tour (10:00am-6pm)
Weekly Sessions: May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 18
*Commencement: Thursday, June 26

For planning purposes, in-person weekly sessions are held at various locations throughout Berkshire County from 5:00-9:00pm on Thursday evenings. Participants are expected to attend all of the weekly sessions in their entirety. Missing part of a session is considered a ½ absence. In addition to the weekly sessions, there are 3 mandatory programs: the Kick-off Retreat, Economic Development Bus Tour and Commencement. Participants who have more than two absences or who can not attend a mandatory program will be withdrawn from the program and will forfeit their tuition.

* Denotes mandatory attendance.

Program Benefits

Heightens awareness of key issues affecting the Berkshire region
Enhances creative problem-solving and team-building skills
Offers interaction with prominent leaders who influence our community
Establishes a professional network, which is utilized beyond the program
Explores specific, demonstrable competencies and characteristics of a successful leader

Selection Criteria

The BLP Steering Committee will select participants based on:

Demonstrated commitment to and interest in serving the Berkshires
Willingness to commit time and energy to completing the program
Berkshires residency or ability to demonstrate significant community involvement in the region

BLP Newsletters

Want to catch up with all things BLP? Check out the latest edition of our Newsletter.

BLP Scholarship Fund

Give to our Berkshire Leadership Fundraiser by donating to our scholarship fund.

Donate

BLP Alumni Database

Want to get connected with BLP alumni? We keep an updated contact database for all of our alumni. If you are an alum and would like your information updated, please email us at: blp@1berkshire.com.

Past Special Projects

2025

The class focused on resources for youth and families throughout Berkshire County. The Class of 2025 developed, designed and produced a curated and bilingual guide to summer activities and year-round programming in the Berkshires. This guide promotes access to free, low-cost, and inclusive attractions and activities, as well as a directory of essential local resources, services and opportunities. The Berkshire Youth Resource Guide will be distributed widely through schools and organizations that serve youth in Berkshire County.

See More Past Projects