IMPACT Leadership Development

IMPACT, hosted by the Chicago Urban League in partnership with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, is a rigorous leadership development program for African American leaders. The mission of IMPACT is to create a pipeline of informed and motivated Black professionals by providing them with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in their complex leadership roles. Members of Booth’s world-renowned faculty provide high-level instruction in topics such as business ethics, negotiations, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics.

The intensive, nine-month program begins in September and provides Fellows with a broad knowledge base, keen insight, and sharpened perspective that will augment their effectiveness as leaders.

Please consult the Class of 2026 Program Schedule on the website to learn more about each session.

Eligibility

Senior leaders (currently a Deputy Chief or above)
Black professional between the ages of 30-45 years old (must be born after September 13, 1978)
Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
7+ years of work experience in the public, private or nonprofit sectors or 3+ years of public, private or nonprofit experience in a leadership or management position
Track record of volunteerism/civic engagement in the community
Ability to participate for the duration of the nine-month program
No active disciplinary action (e.g., no CAP, PIP, Warning Resolutions, etc.)
Your supervisor must endorse and support your participation (i.e., time to attend programming, alignment with your professional goals, etc.).
Must be able to pay the participant contribution fee of $800 if accepted into the program. This donation is paid directly to the IMPACT program.

Additional CPS Criteria

CPS full-time employee for one year at the time of application
Endorsed and supported by the manager to participate in the program
Can attend at the time of application all the program dates
Have not received a Lead with CPS sponsorship in the last year (i.e., anytime after March 2024).
Last RISE rating of proficient or above

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in the IMPACT Program.

The application window is currently closed. Please complete the IMPACT Program Interest Form to be notified when application window for this program re-opens.

Eligible Role

Central & Network Offices

Organization

The Chicago Urban League

Duration

Application Open 2/24/25 - 4/30/25

Time commitment

9 Month program from September 2025 - May 2026. Fellows are expected to attend monthly all-day modules, which are typically held on Fridays. There are also a number of supplemental sessions that are held throughout the year based on speaker availability.

Contact

Program Manager - plloyd@chiul.org or leaderdevelopment@cps.edu

Cost

$8,000