MLK LDI Application | MLK Leadership Dev

2026 MLK LDI APPLICATION

You are invited to apply to participate in the 2026 class of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Development Institute (MLKLDI).

The MLKLDI mission is to prepare and empower individuals committed to exercising creative leadership to improve conditions in your community.

Our principal instructor is Mr. Keith Ellison, CEO of the Ellison Group, a national leader in human resource development. He holds a BA in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Supplementary guest presenters will address select topics and issues impacting communities and encourage your engagement in identifying and applying creative solutions. The class is designed around the tenets and philosophy of Dr. M.L. King, Jr, and also professional career and leadership development tools. Other topics include understanding public policy and community mobilization. Below are the dates for the 9:00 am to 11:00 am class sessions to be held virtually. Therefore, applicants living outside of the Greater Harrisburg area, and even internationally are welcome.

The confidential application must be completed in its entirety along with the enclosed reference form. Your application and reference form must be jointly received. Because class size is limited to 30, we review applications on a first come, first served basis. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Applications are due by, 15 Dec 2025.

You will be notified of your selection status by Jan 2, 2026. Once selected, you will be required to pay the tuition fee of $1,750.00. Tuition may be paid in three installments if needed, but final payment must be paid by Mar 15, 2026. Discounts are offered for organizations that have multiple participants.

Attendance at the Jan 23* and 30*, 2025 kick-off sessions is mandatory: no exceptions. Should you have any questions, please direct them to the Institute’s Executive Director, Mr. Merrick Green at info@mlkldi.org

MLK LDI 2026 Schedule

Session 1: 1/23*

Session 2: 1/30*

Session 3: 2/6

Session 4: 2/13

Session 5: 2/20 (Extended Session)

Break: One Week

Session 6: 3/6

Session 7: 3/13

Session 8: 3/20

Session 9: 3/27

Break: One Week, Includes Good Friday

Session 10: 4/10

Session 11: 4/17

Session 12: 4/24

Session 13 5/1

Session 14: 5/8

Session 15: 5/15

Break: One Week, Includes Memorial Day

Session 16: 5/29

Session 17: 6/5 (Extended Session)

Graduation 14 June 2026

To be considered for this program, this application must be completed in its entirety.

Personal Data

Applicant First Name

Applicant Last Name

Applicant Address

Applicant Phone Number

Applicant Email Address

Employment

Applicant Position

Company/Organization

What is the nature of your position?

How long have you been in your current position?

Education
Begin with high school, then college(s), business or trade school(s) and/or specialized training.

Name of School

Degree

Major

School Award

Post High School

Community & Professional Organization Affiliations:

How did you hear about the Institute? Required

Penn Live

Scholar Alumn

Social Media

Other

What do you consider your most important accomplishment to date? Why? What leadership role did you play?

Why should you be selected for the Leadership Development Program and what do you hope to gain from the experience?

3. What personal strengths, characteristics or capabilities will you bring to the Institute?

Refereneces

Reference 1 First Name

Reference 1 Last Name

Reference 1 Phone

Reference 1 Email

Reference 2 First Name

Reference 2 Last Name

Reference 2 Phone

Reference 2 Email

Professional Headshot Photo

Upload

Please sumbit a 200 word Bio

I understand the purpose of the Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Development Institute, and if selected, I will devote the time and energy necessary to make it a successful experience, including attending the mandatory Jan 23 and 30, 2026 kick off sessions.

Please draw your signature here