Advanced Program Details
The IGEL Advanced Program is designed for experienced leaders and IGELians who are actively working to influence environmental outcomes across Georgia. Building on the foundation of the IGEL experience, the Advanced Program brings together a select cohort of leaders to deepen their impact through applied learning, cross-sector collaboration, and focused exploration of real-world challenges.
Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, participants will engage in candid dialogue, strengthen strategic leadership capabilities, and work alongside peers to explore complex environmental issues facing the state. The program emphasizes practical application, enabling participants to advance initiatives, influence systems, and drive meaningful change within their organizations and communities.
Go beyond the conference room
Through immersive, place-based learning across Georgia, the IGEL Advanced Program deepens your understanding of how environmental decisions shape our state. The program creates space to reconnect with fellow IGELians, recharge your leadership perspective, and engage in thoughtful, collaborative dialogue around the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Four Months. Twenty-Five IGELians. Deeper Impact.
The IGEL Advanced Program includes two virtual sessions and two multi-day sessions that take place in different parts of the state. Each session is designed to educate participants on different environmental challenges and opportunities, with a combination of classroom discussion and hands-on, experiential learning.
1
Session One
Virtual
July 31, 2026
2
Session Two
Metro Atlanta
August 26-28, 2026
3
Session Three
Virtual
September 11, 2026
4
Session Four
Macon
October 21-23, 2026
Tuition for private sector applicants:
- S Corporations
- C Corporations
- LLCs
- Other Corporations
- Federal Government
- State Government
- Other States
- 501(c)(6)
Tuition for applicants from these sectors:
- Academia
- 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)
- Local Governments
Tuition fee covers instruction, course materials, lodging, and meals.
IGEL recognizes that many strong candidates—particularly civic and community leaders—are unable to secure the full amount of tuition…
The Selections committee is delighted to offer a limited number of needs-based scholarship opportunities to accepted applicants. These scholarships, made possible through generous corporate, foundation and individual gifts, help enhance the diversity of participants in our program.
Awards are based upon need and take into account both the resources of the selected applicant and their organization and scholarship funds available at the time of the request.
Selecting the Ideal Class
The inaugural 2026 IGEL AP class will consist of 25 participants from a wide range of professions, interests, political viewpoints, and experiences. Applicants will be evaluated and selected through a rigorous application process.
Participants are required to attend all four sessions of the Program.
- IGEL Advanced Program session dates:
- Session 1: Virtual | July 31, 2026
- Session 2: Metro Atlanta | August 26-28, 2026
- Session 3: Virtual | September 11, 2026
- Session 4: Macon | October 21-23, 2026
Interested in joining the next class? Some key milestones to keep in mind:
- April 15, 2026: IGEL Advanced Program application process opens
- May 17, 2026: Application period ends
- Mid-June: Members of the next IGEL Advanced Program class notified by email (Read the Cancellation and Commitment Policy)
- July 15, 2026: Full tuition and Letter of Commitment due