Every year, only 20 members are chosen for this exclusive opportunity to grow their leadership skills through 6 hands-on sessions, from emotional intelligence to public speaking, and even all the way to Sacramento for Legislative Day.
We hope you'll join us for the 2027 class! Applications are open now through October 31st.
$299 covers everything, including Legislative Day in Sacramento.
2027 Program Schedule
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
All program sessions are scheduled to be held in-person at either the Laguna Hills or Fountain Valley offices.
| January 26 | April 27–28* |
| February 23 | May 25 |
| March 30 | June 29 |
| April 20 | July 27+ |
*Overnight trip to Sacramento for Legislative Day. Travel expenses are covered or reimbursed.
+Graduation ceremony – location and time to be determined.
Program Cost
$299*
*Subject to change.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
How can I apply?
You can submit your application online. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2026.
Who's eligible to apply?
REALTORS and Affiliate members of the Orange County REALTORS® who are current members in good standing. You must remain active and in good standing during the duration of the Academy in order to graduate. Only 20 members are selected each year.
When is the deadline?
October 31, 2026
What can I expect from the program?
The Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy offers participants and graduates an opportunity to meet other motivated leaders and to share an intensive learning experience that focuses on leadership skills, team, professional, and personal development.
Participants will learn about the major components of Association Management, the vital role of the Director and Leadership strategies by lectures, hands-on workshops, guest speakers, assessments, and interactive activities and discussions.
What is the Selection Process?
The Leadership Development Committee will review all applications that are submitted by the deadline. Due to space limitations, not all eligible applicants are guaranteed acceptance into the program. Up to twenty (20) participants will be selected to participate.
What is the selection criteria?
- Must have a sincere commitment and motivation, to serve the community, industry, and Orange County REALTORS®.
- Must understand a leadership position is not only a privilege but also a responsibility.
- Must have a servant’s heart and be willing to sacrifice time and energy to better an organization or the community.
- Must have demonstrated a commitment to involvement in community, association and industry activities.
- Must have the intent to seek positions on boards, commissions, or leadership roles in the community, industry organizations, and Orange County REALTORS®.
- Must commit the time and energy required to complete the entire program including homework, attendance at all classes, events, and responding promptly to surveys and information requests.
Additional Considerations:
- Member applicants must maintain their Orange County REALTORS® or Affiliate membership during the program.
- Must complete and sign an agreement outlining responsibilities and commitment as a Leadership Academy member, and also a Confidential Information Agreement if accepted as a participant of the Academy.
- Resumes may also be submitted, but cannot be substituted instead of a completed application.
- Completion of the Leadership Academy does not guarantee a leadership position within Orange County REALTORS® or any other organization.
How will I know if my application was received?
An e-mail acknowledgment sent to the address listed in the application will confirm receipt of the submitted form. A second email will be sent if the application is incomplete or missing information.
How and when will I be notified of the Selection Committee's decision?
All applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail or phone within one month of the application deadline.
Is there a fee for the program?
If you are selected to participate, the fee to attend the Orange County REALTORS® Leadership Academy is $102 plus a total contribution of $197 to the REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF). Payment and contribution to the RAF must be made by by the first session of the Academy.
The $299* program fee covers the cost for all 6 sessions, plus a 1-night trip (airfare and hotel) to Sacramento for Legislative Day and a graduation lunch.
*Program fee is subject to change before the next round of applications.
If selected, do I have to attend all sessions?
For a participant to graduate from the Leadership Academy, they are expected to commit to attending ALL sessions. In extenuating circumstances, a written excused absence for one class only will be considered for an excused absence by class facilitators. NOTE: Failure to complete the Academy requirements may affect your ability to graduate.
What will be the Academy Schedule?
2027 PROGRAM SCHEDULE - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
All program sessions are scheduled to be held in-person at either the Laguna Hills or Fountain Valley offices.
→ January 26
→ February 23
→ March 30
→ April 20
→ April 27-28*
→ May 25
→ June 29
→ July 27+
*Overnight trip to Sacramento for Legislative Day. Travel expenses are covered or reimbursed.
+Graduation ceremony - location and time to be determined.
Questions?
Contact: Education Department at education@ocrealtors.org
"The Leadership Academy helped me to become 'Affiliate of the Year', to be named 'YPN's Most Valuable Member', and to be appointed as the 'State Chair of C.A.R.'s YPN'. You never know starting out how the Leadership Academy will benefit you down the line!"
"The Leadership Academy directly helped my business - I became more thoughtful and a more connected and educated professional. I've always been involved with real estate organizations but after attending the Academy, it's taken my involvement and career to an entirely new level!"