Thank you for agreeing to serve as a reference for an applicant to the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leaders Program (TLP).

Please complete and submit this form by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 15, 2025. Applications without a completed reference form by this deadline will not be considered for this year’s cohort.

TLP is an eight-month, in-person leadership development program designed to strengthen Grand Rapids’ collective capacity to address racial equity disparities. A limited number of participants are selected each year to join a cohort that reflects the diversity, culture, and lived experiences of West Michigan. While participants come from various sectors and backgrounds, they share a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

In this recommendation form, you'll be asked to:

• Assess the applicant’s leadership potential based on specific characteristics.
• Provide a brief narrative explaining why you believe this person would benefit from the program.
• Speak to their character, ability to work with others, and overall readiness for this experience.

Your responses will remain confidential and will not be shared with the applicant. We value your honest feedback and thoughtful reflection.

Please note: TLP requires a commitment of 10–12 hours per month, which includes in-person learning sessions and independent assignments from September 2025 through May 2026.

Applicants are evaluated on:

• Willingness to grow as a leader
• Strong individual and team work ethic
• Ability to collaborate across cultural differences
• Commitment to community transformation and racial equity

Important: This form must be completed in one sitting and cannot be saved.

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