A county sponsored, alumni led program to further educate potential and current leaders on a broad range of county topics in and beyond the classroom.
	Ten day-long sessions in 10 months, starting in September (third Thursday of each month with the exception of June graduation).
	A forum for stimulating discussion where varying view points are welcome. Intensive, yes; boring, never!
	To provide an overview of Sarasota County, to provide the opportunity for self development, and to network with fellow county employees.

Each year a maximum of 22 current County employees are accepted into the program.

Participants are selected on their own merits through a highly competitive admissions process. No two participants will have identical backgrounds, although all are expected to share three basic characteristics; ability to set and achieve goals, time and resources to give to community service, and a demonstration of a personal commitment to Sarasota County Government.

Employees are required to have at least one year employment with Sarasota County Government and/or elected officials and are encouraged to discuss their interests in the program with their supervisor prior to applying.

What topics are covered?

	Sarasota County Introduction and Overview Get to know your fellow classmates and become acquainted with other business departments while also developing a historical perspective of Sarasota County.
	Behind the Scenes Go behind the scenes with Information Technology, Fiscal Management, Growth Management and more. Answer the question, "What makes Sarasota County tick?"
	South County Day There is more to Sarasota County than just Sarasota. Find out more about Englewood, North Port and Venice.
	Media Day Gain perspective on our local political and economic power base. Plug into the manner in which power, leadership, and the media can be used effectively to promote Sarasota County.
	Elected Officials Meet the elected officials and find out more about the Sheriff's Office, Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of Circuit Court, Tax Collector and Property Appraiser's Office and what they do.
	Health and Wellness Day Experience a day that will have an impact on the rest of your life! Find out how mentally and physically fit you are for your career, your family and yourself. Also explore how you can impact your community by volunteering. This is a day to concentrate on you and your community!
	Arts and Culture Sarasota County provides grants for arts and culture. Tour some of the great finds in Sarasota County to see why citizens and visitors love it here!
	Operations Day Planning and Development Services, Environmental Services and Public Works Check out Sarasota County's biggest business centers. See what goes into making water clean, what it takes to keep our roads going, how you can do your part in recycling and much more!
	Class Project

Complete the application (,  - click on the perferred icon for application form)
Once completed forward to Doris DeMaria via e-mail or interoffice mail to:
Sarasota Center Operations Center (SCOC)
1001 Sarasota Center Blvd.. 
Applications will be accepted through August 4, 2006