The Rising Stars Leadership Program offers a path for young leaders in New Hampshire to develop personal and professional leadership skills while building a strong understanding and connection to the different aspects that make New Hampshire the right place to Stay, Work, and Play.

With programming provided in part by Sojourn Partners, a Bedford-based leadership coaching firm, participants will take part in six in-person sessions beginning in February 2024 and ending in June. In between the below-mentioned in-person sessions, participants will take part in several virtual peer connect coaching sessions to continue "muscle building" in communication skills, problem solving and motivational inquiry by coaching one another on real-time goals, challenges, and opportunities.

2024 Rising Stars Leadership Program:
Your Questions Answered


2024 Session Days

The Leader in You
February 20, 2024

In this kick-off session, participants will explore individual and overall leadership traits and aspirations, while gaining an understanding of the unique talent that each leader in a cohort contributes. 

Leading Others & Building Your Network


March 19, 2024

This full-day session will see participants learn and practice core skills of creating a safe environment, listening, asking powerful questions, and holding accountability. Participants will also identify their career and leadership aspirations, brand, and networking plan. 

Live Free or Die
April 16, 2024

Gain a greater understanding of what makes New Hampshire so unique from some of the Granite State's most well known and accomplished residents

Moving Mountains


May 7, 2024

Meet, learn from, interact with, and be inspired by other young Rising Stars who have made a real difference in New Hampshire. Afterward, use the lessons learned, as well as a unique four-step model, to create your own plan to make a positive impact here in New Hampshire. What mountain will you move?

Pushing for Progress
June 11, 2024

For all the state’s strengths, New Hampshire faces an array of challenges that threaten our ability to attract and retain desperately needed younger talent. Learn more about these challenges, what is being done about them, and how you can help push for progress.

Integration and Graduation
June 25, 2024

You've learned the skills a leader needs both in the workplace and in the community, as well as some of the challenges facing our communities. Taking all you have learned, determine what goals you will set for yourself and how you will work to implement them.  


What Rising Stars Leadership Program alumni are saying…

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should take part? The Rising Stars Leadership Program is geared toward those in the early stages of their careers in New Hampshire who want to grow as leaders in both their organizations and their communities.

  • Rising Stars Leadership Program participants can be selected by their employers and registered via the “join” buttons on this page or by emailing Stay Work Play Executive Director Will Stewart at will@stayworkplay.org. Participants may also sponsor themselves for this program and will follow the same process to join.

  • Tuition is $1,800 for employees of Stay Work Play Board of Advisors member organizations and $2,300 for employees of non-member organizations or individuals. Tuition covers all instruction, materials, coffee, and snacks. Lunches during, and transportation to/from in-person session days, are the responsibility of the participant.