Class Days

The BRLI program spans October through June each year, over nine separate day-long sessions and one half-day session for the Amazing Race. Each session occurs at a different area location that ties into a specific theme or topic the region is facing today.

The curriculum generally includes:

• Tours of several key regional businesses and institutions
• A dynamic array of presenters that represent a variety of backgrounds and occupations
• Team building exercises
• Professional development activities and presentations
• Group project with a non-profit partner from the community

As a member of BRLI, you will grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team building, communication, and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum. Coordinated by expert facilitators, these activities will grow and shape you as a leader, enabling you to take on any challenge that comes your way and lead effectively.

Through a variety of presenters and tours, you will discover many opportunities that the Bangor area has to offer. In addition, you will gain a solid understanding of the challenges that face our region and learn how you can give back to our communities.

The group project you and your class take on will allow you to put your leadership and collaboration skills to work, outside of your workplace environment. Working together to achieve a goal for a local non-profit partner allows your class to make a real impact for an organization that serves our region.

Time Commitment

Each BRLI  Day takes place at a thematically specific site throughout the Bangor region. A detailed curriculum including class locations, workshop details, and presenters will be emailed to each participant each week before each class day. As a reminder, our hope is to host all class days in person. If there is a need to host a day virtually, we’ll notify participants in advance.

The Class Amazing Race will take place on Thursday, June 3, 2027

Class days are 8AM- 5PM.

Program Cost

$1,325. No money is required at this time. Payment, if accepted, will be due on August 28, 2026 unless other arrangements have been made. If payment is not received or arrangements made by August 28th, a late charge of $150 will be assessed.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on demonstrated need. To receive a scholarship you must fill out the attached scholarship application.

How to Apply

A. Print off the class of 2027 BRLI Application and send completed application materials to Shelly Reilly, BRLI Program Director, by June 22, 2026.

E-Mail: [email protected].

Fax: 207.990.1427

Mail: Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, c/o Shelly Reilly 2 Hammond Street, Suite 1 Bangor Maine

B. Submit your application online using the form below. You will need to download and complete the Time Commitment 2027 & 2027 Scholarship (if necessary) forms to attach along with a copy of your resume.

C. Please record 3 – 5 minute video answering the questions: 1. What are your personal and professional goals and how do you hope to use your BRLI experience to help achieve those goals. 2. Share your perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the greater Bangor region, and what you might do as a leader to help address those issues.

To ensure your application process is smooth, please follow these steps to upload your video submission:

1. Once the application is received, you will receive an email with a link to upload your video.
2. Upload your video: Once you are in the folder, drag and drop your video file into the folder or use the “New” button on the top left corner to upload your file.
3.   Please name your video file using the following format: [LastName_FirstName_2027]. This helps us keep track of all submissions and ensures your video doesn’t get misplaced.
4. Confirm your Upload:  After uploading, make sure your file appears in the folder.  This confirmation is crucial to ensure your submission is complete.

   By following these instructions, you’ll help us process your application more efficiently. If you encounter any issues during the upload, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Shelly Reilly, Program Director at [email protected] or email your video file directly to Shelly Reilly. 

Questions? Contact us!