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Apply to the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy

Leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about understanding your community, building meaningful relationships, and having the confidence to make a difference.

The Robert Mayer Leadership Academy (RMLA) is a nine-month leadership development program designed for professionals who are ready to grow personally and professionally while becoming more engaged in the future of Huntington Beach.

Throughout the program, participants gain exclusive access to the people, organizations, and institutions that shape our city. From local government and public safety to education, healthcare, business, environmental stewardship, and nonprofit leadership, you’ll experience Huntington Beach from a perspective few people ever have the opportunity to see.

More importantly, you’ll build lasting relationships with a diverse group of professionals who share a commitment to serving the community. Many graduates describe these connections as one of the Academy’s greatest benefits, creating a network of trusted colleagues, collaborators, and lifelong friends that continues long after graduation.

Through behind-the-scenes tours, discussions with community leaders, interactive leadership development, and hands-on learning experiences, participants are challenged to broaden their perspectives, strengthen their leadership abilities, and develop the confidence to lead with integrity, purpose, and vision.

As part of the experience, each class collaborates on community impact projects that address real needs throughout Huntington Beach. Working alongside classmates and community partners, participants develop, organize, and implement projects that leave a lasting legacy while putting leadership principles into practice.

Whether you’re an emerging professional looking to accelerate your leadership journey, an established leader seeking a deeper connection to Huntington Beach, or someone passionate about giving back to the community, the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy offers an experience unlike any other.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself, expand your perspective, and become part of a network committed to strengthening Huntington Beach, we encourage you to apply for the Class of 2027.

Before You Apply

please review carefully

The Robert Mayer Leadership Academy is an immersive experience that requires a meaningful commitment of both time and participation.

Please ensure you are able to attend the full nine-month program, including monthly sessions, the mandatory Leadership Retreat, Alumni Reception, and Graduation. The Leadership Retreat, held October 9–11, 2026, serves as the foundation of the Academy experience and plays a critical role in building the relationships, trust, and collaborative spirit that define each class.

Attendance is expected at all scheduled program sessions, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month from September through June, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants are also expected to comply with the Academy’s attendance policy.

We look forward to learning more about you and the unique experiences, perspectives, and leadership you will bring to the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy.

Graduation & Community Project Presentations

Each monthly session focuses on a different aspect of the Huntington Beach community, providing participants with direct access to local leaders and organizations while exploring topics including:

– Orientation & Leadership Development
– Environmental Services
– Public Safety & Justice
– Health & Wellness
– City & County Government
– Education
– Community & Cultural Services
– Economy & Private Sector
– Graduation & Community Project Presentations

Community Impact Projects

A defining component of the Academy is the Community Impact Project.

During the second half of the program, participants work in collaborative teams to identify a community need, develop a strategic plan, and execute a project that creates meaningful, lasting impact within Huntington Beach.

Because these projects extend beyond monthly class sessions, participants should expect to dedicate additional time outside of scheduled program days to planning, coordinating, and implementing their initiatives.

Completed projects are presented during Graduation before classmates, alumni, sponsors, community leaders, and invited guests, celebrating each class’s contribution to Huntington Beach.

Tuition and Payment

Early Registration
$1,250 through August 15, 2026

Standard Registration
$1,400 after August 15, 2026

A 50% deposit is required before the Leadership Retreat on October 9–11, 2026, with the remaining balance due according to your payment schedule.

Tuition represents only a portion of the actual cost of delivering this immersive leadership experience. Through the generosity of the Mayer Family and community sponsors, RMLA is able to provide participants with an exceptional program at a significantly reduced cost.

Applicants are responsible for tuition regardless of whether an employer or sponsoring organization has agreed to reimburse the expense. Payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis.

Tuition Assistance:

Accepted applicants may apply for partial tuition assistance.

Scholarships are generally available for:

– Individuals representing nonprofit organizations
– Small business owners and employees
– Individuals investing in their own professional development

These awards are made possible through the generous support of the Robert Mayer Leadership Academy’s sponsors and community partners and are intended to make leadership development accessible to a broad and diverse group of community leaders.