cuLEAD
March - October 2026
The cuLEAD Academy is a hybrid program designed by credit union professionals, for credit union professionals ready to take their leadership to a higher level. With a clear focus on educating and developing our credit union leaders, the Academy elevates students through courses, assignments, team engagement, and a capstone project.
If you are on the pathway to Southwest Credit Union Management School, sending your leaders through CULead Academy first will help fine-tune the necessary skills to be successful at the SCMS level.
Not sure about how financials impact the credit union? Want to dip into the inner workings of other departments? All while fine-tuning your leadership skills, this program is for you.
Students read, analyze, and discuss one leadership book, along with turning in reflection assignments to their deans for grading in CANVAS, a higher education learning management system.
Successful graduation from the program requires the student to complete all graded assignments, attend all sessions, and complete a team capstone project and proposal pitch to C-Suite executives. The teams are carefully composed to ensure different viewpoints, diverse thought, and will impact the industry.
Students receive education in the following areas:
- Communication
- Credit Union Financials
- Strategic Planning
- Team Development
- History & Philosophy
- Organizational Culture
- Leadership
- Government Relations/Advocacy
- Compliance
- Lending
- Project Management
- Information Technology/Artificial Intelligence
- Human Resources
- Marketing/Business Development
Application Process
Students must apply and be accepted into the cuLEAD Academy. Applying to the Academy includes a completed and signed application form, a resume, and one professional letter of recommendation as to what skills and experience the student exhibits to be successful in the program.
The application window is open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30.
Review of applications/resumes/letter of recommendation will occur by a panel from Dec. 1 through 15.
Acceptance letters will be dispersed by Dec. 16.
General Schedule
(subject to change)
- March 11 - Virtual Meet & Greet
- April 8 - In-person Kick-off | Kansas City, MO
- May 12 - In-person | Oklahoma City, OK (Discount to IMPACT)
- June 10 - Virtual
- July 8 - In-person | Dallas, TX
- August 12 - Virtual
- Sept. 9 - Virtual
- Oct. 13 - In-person Session & Graduation | St. Louis, MO (Discount to ELEVATE)
Location
All Virtual sessions will be on Zoom
Four In-Person sessions will occur throughout the Cornerstone region:
- April - Kansas City, MO
- May - Oklahoma City, OK (Discounted rate to IMPACT)
- July - Dallas, TX
- Oct. - St. Louis, MO (Discounted rate to ELEVATE Leadership Summit)
Students are responsible for their travel and hotel. Cornerstone will help secure hotel rooms at a discounted group rate.
Registration Fees
Affiliated Member – Class A
$1450
Affiliated Members or Class A are credit unions whose primary office is located within Cornerstone’s 5-state region.
Associate Member – Class B
$1500
Associate Members or Class B are credit unions with their principal office outside the League area that has a branch located in the League area. Group rate does not apply to Class B.
Non-Member | $1600
Non-members are credit unions that are not part of a League or Association.
Registration Includes:
- 4 virtual sessions
- 4 in-person sessions
- 1 leadership book
- All material for classes
- Diploma
- Ability to join Alumni group upon graduation
Grant Assistance
The Cornerstone Foundation is accepting grant applications for League training events based on financial need. Applications must be received by application deadlines. Please visit the Foundation’s website to view all grant applications, guidelines, and deadlines. Contact Emily Moreno, program director, 214-334-3397 or 800-953-8283.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing. Please provide a brief explanation for the cancellation and submit via email to training@cornerstoneleague.coop. Cancellations received more than 30 days prior to the event are subject to a 25% administrative fee on the order total. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received on or after 30 days prior to the event. Substitutions are accepted prior to the start of the program. Additional costs may apply. Please provide the event name, current participant name, and new participant name to training@cornerstoneleague.coop.
Cornerstone League reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances. If the Academy is rescheduled to another date or modified (virtual or hybrid), your registration will automatically transfer. If the event is rescheduled or location is changed, and you are unable to attend, your fees will be refunded.