The High Performance Leadership Academy (HPLA) is a 12-week, online professional development initiative to help our members achieve excellence in teamwork and organizational effectiveness, enabling staff to achieve their fullest potential, making them smarter, more effective leaders.

This program was launched in partnership with the Professional Development Academy and leverages expertise and insights from industry-leading executives, career coaches and university professors.

• Efficient: 12 weeks in duration
• Non-disruptive: 100% online virtual mentorship / 4-5 hours per week
• Scalable: Flexible to accommodate small or large team enrollment
• Top Leaders: Led by accomplished executives
• Certified: Approved by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), IAAO and SHRM

With a robust curriculum developed by the Professional Development Academy in partnership with Fortune 1000 executives, public sector leaders, world-renowned academics and thought leaders, HPLA was designed for the unique challenges and opportunities of serving in community and business leadership positions. 

About the Academy

Who is it for?
The Academy was built for current and emerging leaders, particularly those who lead teams or are preparing to in the future. Participants range from the c-level through high-performing individual contributors.

Where does it take place?
The Academy is 100% online. Participants can access course materials on our learning management platform from any preferred computer or mobile device with a web browser. Group discussions are also held virtually.

Is it at your own pace?
While most of the program is flexible and can be completed at the participant’s convenience, there are also synchronous activities scheduled each week for applied learning and peer-group networking. The Academy is cohort-based, so participants can share best practices, unpack challenges, and celebrate successes with each other.

What is the time commitment?
Most participants report spending an average of 4 to 5 total hours each week on the program. The course is divided into weekly modules that vary in topic. Each module includes a 30 minute facilitated live webinar and 1-hour breakout group discussion, plus independent activities ranging from 3 to 35 minutes (videos, articles, forum chats, etc.).

Does it count for continuing education credits?
Specifically for HR professionals, the Academy is certified by SHRM (45) and HRCI (54) for professional development units. It has also been approved to fulfill leadership components toward many other professional certifications – please work with the Academy team to inquire. The program will not substitute for college credits.

When is the next cohort?

• January 13 -- April 18
• April 28 -- August 1 
• August 11 -- November 14
• September 15 -- December 19

What is the deadline to enroll?
Registration closes two weeks prior to a program start date. Participants will then be issued credentials to access the learning management platform and will be invited to attend an onboarding webinar prior to kick-off. Academy communications will come from moderator@pdaleadership.com for all participants and supervising managers.

What is the cost? 
The cost of the 12-week program is $3,395. Members of participating chambers pay $2,995.