The program, created in 1992, prepares a select group of county residents to become the community leaders of the future. The class embarks on a nine-month course of intensive study of leadership skills, Oswego County and its resources, vital issues of today and visioning for tomorrow.

The members start with a retreat, which will be Sept. 17 and 18 this year, then meet the first Friday of each month for a day of community exploration and personal development.

This year, the program was supported through sponsorships from Entergy Nuclear Northeast, Operation Oswego County Inc., Cornell Cooperative Extension and SUNY Oswego. This support makes available scholarships to provide access to participants from throughout the community.

Applications – the deadline is Aug. 3 -- can be obtained at http://www.oswego.edu/obcr or by contacting the SUNY Oswego Office of Business and Community Relations at (315) 312-3492. Applications are open to anyone over 21 who lives or works in Oswego County.