the science of the positive leadership academy
cohort 1 launching february 2027
The Science of the Positive Leadership Academy
Participate in Cohort 1 and become a Science of the Positive Leadership Fellow
A nine-month leadership experience for leaders who want to grow the good, starting with themselves. Led by Dr. Jeff Linkenbach and Carla Ritz. Space is limited.
First cohort begins February 2027. Registration closes January 31, 2027
Why this Academy?
Most leadership programs focus on what leaders do. The Science of the Positive Leadership Academy begins with who leaders are. Grounded in the Science of the Positive framework, its eight Core Principles, and the Cycle of Transformation, this learning opportunity helps you lead with authentic integrity.
What you’ll Leave with:
Your own transformational leadership philosophy, based on the Science of the Positive, tested in a real project, and refined
A credential: The Montana Institute certified designation of Science of the Positive Leadership Fellow to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile
Deeper self-knowledge, including a personal leadership profile from the Science of the Positive Transformational Leadership Assessment
A cohort of peers: relationships with leaders across sectors
A network membership: Inaugural membership in the Science of the Positive Leadership Network with ongoing special discounts, events, and early access to Montana Institute offerings.
An invitation to apply for higher level coursework in the Academy. Only SOTP Leadership Fellows can apply to participate in Academy Levels 2 and 3 which provide group and individual coaching and education to apply the Science of the Positive framework in teams, organizations, communities, and systems, and the opportunity to advance to Senior Fellow and Distinguished Fellow status with The Montana Institute.
Tuition and what’s included:
$2,500 per person
All Academy learning sessions (9 hours online and one full-day in-person), small group meetings (4 hours), and access to online session replays
The Science of the Positive Discovery Journal
The Science of the Positive Leadership Fellow Workbook
The Science of the Positive Transformational Leadership Assessment and personal profile report (offered twice during the Cohort experience)
Free registration to the online Montana Winter Institute ($149 value) January 25-29, 2027
Optional Add-On: Montana Summer Institute registration at early-bird rates, $325 online or $1,095 in-person
Limited scholarships will be available by application.
how it works:
February to May 2027
Four live 90-minute online sessions (one each month) with replay access, plus small group think tanks for processing learning more deeply.
June 2027
An exclusive, full-day in-person gathering alongside the Montana Summer Institute at Big Sky Resort (June 14, 2027 – travel & lodging not included)
July and August 2027
Your pilot project: put your SOTP transformational leadership philosophy into practice in your own work or community with coaching from The Montana Institute.
September and October 2027
Two online sessions where pilot projects and learning are presented and Fellow status is bestowed.
Who should join?
Leaders at any stage, in any sector, who want to lead from a place of strength and integrity: public health and prevention professionals, educators and school leaders, tribal program leaders, nonprofit and government leaders, and business leaders and managers. No prior experience with the Science of the Positive is required.
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Your Instructors for cohort one
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Jeff Linkenbach, Ed.D
FOUNDING DIRECTOR | THE MONTANA INSTITUTE
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Carla Ritz
MANAGING DIRECTOR | THE MONTANA INSTITUTE
