CLP Applications: FAQ and Best Practices

Posted May 4, 2020

May 04, 2020 at 4:00 PM
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about applying for CLP, as well as some tips on formatting and submitting your application.

When are applications open?
Applications are currently available on iowacityarea.com as of May 1, and are due no later than 4:30 pm Monday, June 15, 2020. Late applications will not be considered for this class.

How do I apply?
Download the application form PDF and either fill it out digitally or print it and fill it out. The general information and all signatures can be filled in on those pages, but the questions in part two should be completed on a separate sheet. Letters of recommendation can be submitted by the applicant along with the rest of the application, or if necessary, can be submitted directly by the writer (deadline still applies).

How should I submit my application?
Our preference is to receive all application materials via email in one PDF file. However, tuition assistance applications should be submitted as a separate file, as these materials are considered separately from the application for selection. Materials can be mailed to our office, but they must be received (not postmarked) by June 15. We ask that you do not try to drop-off your application materials in person this year, as the building is currently closed until further notice, and deliveries are only being checked intermittently.

Is there a required file type for email submissions?
We strongly prefer applications to be submitted electronically as one single PDF file. Word documents are accepted.

Are there any special requirements for email applications?
There are no specific requirements, but we do make some requests. In the subject line, please put your name, and _CLP Class of 2020-2021 Application_. All emails must be received by 4:30 pm on June 15, or they will not be considered for this class. The preferred page order for digital submissions is pgs 1-4, questions on separate sheet(s), pg 5, letter of recommendation, pg 6. Applications not following these recommendations will still be considered.

How do I apply for Tuition Assistance?
The Community Leadership Program includes participants who represent the diversity of our community. This includes diversity of income and organizational affiliation. Financial need should not be a barrier to participation. To that end, the Community Leadership Program provides scholarships to a select number of applicants, based on financial need. Contact Emily Wenzel for further details.

My colleague and I both want to apply. Could we both get in?
Participants are selected by a committee, based on the information submitted in each person_s application. The selection committee strives to enroll a class that represents a diverse range of occupations, backgrounds, interests, and talents, as well as industries. As a rule, we discourage multiple applicants from the same company, in order to maximize class diversity.

Do I have to be a member to apply?
Preference is given to current members in good standing, but individuals who are not current members of the Business Partnership are welcome to apply, provided they are sponsored by a current member. A member in good standing will need to contact us directly and say that they support your application for the class, and will essentially vouch for you as a participant. This is separate from the letter of recommendation, but both can be from the same person. Non-members are also eligible to apply for tuition assistance, but strong preference for this program is given to members, meaning the application will only be considered if there are any funds remaining after the member applications have been processed. The list of active members is available on our website, under the directory tab.

Non-members who are selected for the class will not have their company/employer listed on any of the class materials, including announcements of the new class, the roster, or participant name tents. They will just be listed as “Jane/John Doe – Individual”.

 

Any further questions can be directed to Emily Wenzel, emily@iowacityarea.com or (319) 337-9639.