Applications are now being accepted for the Leadership Anson Class of 2013.

The leadership development program, which was implemented in 1997 by the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, has graduated 254 participants in 16 years. The program, with assistance from South Piedmont Community College and Hornwood, is designed to develop a commitment to community through leadership.

Anyone who is an Anson County resident or who works in Anson County is eligible to participate. The selection of class participants is based upon the applicant’s community interests and current involvement, leadership potential, past accomplishments and the willingness to assume expanded leadership responsibilities. Participation will be limited.

The six-month, 11-session program will kick off with an overnight retreat at the Beth Haltiwanger Center in Montgomery County Jan. 11-12, 2013. Classes will begin on Jan. 29, followed by sessions on Feb. 12 and 26; March 12 and 26; April 09, 19 and 30; May 14 and 28. Graduation will be held June 11, 2013. An orientation session to prepare participants for the weekend retreat will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2013.

The tuition is $350, which includes the cost for all materials, lunches, refreshments, contracted presenters and out-of-county field trips.

A limited number of Leadership Anson scholarships are available. Scholarship applicants are asked to fill out an application and submit it to the Leadership Anson Oversight Committee. The committee will set up an interview with each scholarship applicant.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Nov. 16. The Class of 2013 will be announced by early December. Applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 107 E. Wade St., Wadesboro; SPCC’s Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro; or by calling 704-694-4181.