Thank you for agreeing to be a reference for an applicant to the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leaders Program. UCC’s Transformational Leaders Program is an eight month intensive training program designed to develop leaders to strengthen our community’s capacity to address racial equity disparities.

A maximum of 20 individuals are selected to participate each year. Participants reflect the diversity and richness of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of Grand Rapids. While they may have a broad array of backgrounds and interests, they also have a strong desire to actively help solve their community’s challenges across sectors. In the following Recommendation Form, please rate the applicant’s potential based the set of leadership characteristics listed. Provide a brief narrative supporting the candidate’s future leadership potential and why you think this person would benefit from the program. Please note the candidate’s ability to work with others and their character.

The information provided in this form will not be shared with applicants; your thorough reflection and honesty is appreciated! The program requires 10-12 hours each month of the applicant’s time to attend monthly half-day learning sessions and complete assignments independently from September 2021 through May 2022.

Learning sessions will be held in prominent locations throughout Grand Rapids. Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:
• Leadership potential
• Team and individual work ethic
• A demonstrated commitment to community transformation and racial equity
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to interact with others from culturally diverse backgrounds

THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN ONE SESSION; IT CANNOT BE SAVED, ONLY SUBMITTED.

Please submit by completing this form by 5pm on Monday, August 23, 2021. Applicants that do not have all references submitted by Monday, August 23, 2021 will not be considered.

If you have any questions about the program or the recommendation form, please contact us at tlp@uccgr.org