ELGL offers cohort-style programs because we believe strongly in the power of peer-to-peer learning and understand that local government networks can be powerful tools for improving our communities.
Our programs bring together practitioners from across sectors and departments to learn, create solutions, share resources, and build long-term professional relationships.
Cohort learning models provide benefits such as:
- Social and collaborative opportunities through virtual and in-person meetings
- Long-term connection of cohorts through dedicated channels
- Cross-training and cross-sharing opportunities among cohorts
- Mentor identification and training for future cohorts
- Networking among regional and national cities and departments
- Creation of best practices, shared lessons, and educational materials
ELGL brings its diverse membership base and member interest areas, network of partnerships around the country, and experience in teaching and program development to the work of creating cohorts that keep professional development affordable, accessible, and meaningful. We offer three types of cohort programs, designed to offer both short- and longer-term opportunities on a variety of topics throughout the year.
Cohort Sprints
Cohort Sprints are short, six-week programs designed to give participants a chance to explore a new topic or skill, meet others interested in similar issues, learn from and collaborate with one another on written content, and attend an online training session.
Level Up Cohorts
Level Up Cohorts are three-month programs that focus on a single issue and allow participants to build their network, attend biweekly collaboration and training sessions, and create a policy or program strategy to support their work. Level Up participants attend one in-person meetup at a regional event and appear on a GovLove podcast to build relationships and share their knowledge with other ELGL members.
Deep Dive Cohorts
Deep Dive Cohorts are ELGL's longest and most intensive learning opportunity. Ranging in length from six to nine months, these cohorts work together over six months to become experts in a specific issue area through collaborative work, training sessions, mentorship with other local government experts, and more. These cohorts present their work at ELGL's annual conference, where they also work together in a half-day collaborative in-person session.
Questions? Contact cohorts@elgl.org.
