THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION ADVANTAGE RELEASE
PROGRAM BUILDS NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS ACROSS VERMILION COUNTY
Danville, IL – Vermilion Advantage is now accepting applications for Leadership Tomorrow Class 37, the region’s proven leadership development program designed to connect emerging and established leaders to community stewardship, civic engagement, and real-world problem solving across Vermilion County.
The application window opens January 26 and closes March 15, with the 2026 class launching in June. Leadership Tomorrow is a multi-month, immersive experience that brings together professionals from across industries to explore how leadership, collaboration, and service shape the future of the community. Participants gain hands-on experience through community projects, industry exposure, and guided leadership development.
“This program is about more than leadership theory,” said Jodie Ingram, Workforce Education Director at Vermilion Advantage. “Leadership Tomorrow connects people to the heart of our community. It challenges participants to think critically, work collaboratively, and take ownership of the future of Vermilion County.”
Leadership Tomorrow Class 37 includes ten core sessions and immersive experiences designed to give participants direct exposure to the people, systems, and decisions shaping Vermilion County. The program begins with the Solution Summit in June, followed by the highly anticipated Amazing Race, which challenges teams to collaborate, problem solve, and navigate the community in real time.
Participants also engage in Business and Industry Day, Education and Healthcare Day, and Criminal Justice Day, offering behind the scenes access to key sectors. Optional police ride alongs provide a unique perspective on public safety, complemented by a Public Safety Building Tour, before the program concludes with Graduation Day in October.
A key highlight of Class 37 is the second annual Solution Summit, held during the first week of the program. Participants work in teams using a design sprint model to tackle real community challenges and present their solutions to the Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors.
“The Solution Summit pushes participants out of observation mode and into action,” said Annie Monyok, Founder of Monyok Leadership and program facilitator. “We want leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves, ask better questions, and invest their time and talent right here at home.”
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from Leadership Tomorrow, participants must:
● Complete 68 hours of classroom and experiential learning, with attendance required at 9 of 10 sessions
● Participate in a Design Sprint workgroup presentation to the Vermilion Advantage Board of Directors
● Complete 20 hours of community service, 100 percent required
● Commit to joining a community, philanthropic, or social board, or commit to running for public office upon graduation
“Our goal is simple,” Monyok added. “We want people to love where they live and take an active role in shaping what comes next. Leadership Tomorrow builds leaders who are connected, committed, and ready to serve.”
Application Information
● Applications Open: January 26
● Applications Close: March 15
Professionals who live or work in Vermilion County and are interested in leadership development, community impact, and civic engagement are encouraged to apply.
For application details and program information, visit www.vermilionadvantage.com/leadershiptomorrow or contact Jodie Ingram at jingram@vermilionadvantage.com.
