Cleveland Bridge Builders

Why CBB?

Gain the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change in the community through experiential, team-based, hands-on learning. Advance your communication skills and understanding of group dynamics, and expand your knowledge of the civic realm. Learn and work alongside others who have a shared passion for change. Your diverse classmates will broaden your horizons and become powerful allies in addressing critical social issues.

You can have an immediate impact by focusing your energy on a meaningful civic issue through a Leadership Action Project (LAP). LAPs serve as a team-based learning lab where you can apply your newly-learned skills and approaches to collaborative leadership to assist a local community organization.

Applications for the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2027 will open on February 1, 2026.

• Your commitment

  CBB is a 10-month program that includes a two-day opening retreat, five full-day sessions, two workshops and Leadership Action Project small-group meetings. Participants may not miss more than one session to remain in the program.

  Tuition for the Class of 2026 is $3,950. Each participant is required to contribute a minimum of $250 personally; the individual, an employer or other source may pay the balance.

  Scholarships are available to ensure participation is accessible to all. Learn more about the available scholarship funds.

  There is a non-refundable $25 application fee.

• Selection criteria

  Participants are chosen through a blind selection process. A volunteer alumni panel reviews all submissions and scores applicants on problem-solving skills, commitment to community, demonstrated leadership abilities and interpersonal skills.

  Approximately 60 leaders are selected through a highly competitive selection process. Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate a commitment to the community and strong leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
  • Have the full support of their employer for the time commitment to the program.
  • Provide two recommendations focused on professional and civic accomplishments.

  Successful applicants will be notified in June. Those who are not accepted are encouraged to reapply in future years.

  For more information, email Angela O’Donnell or call (216) 965-9640.

• First-hand accounts

  Hear first-hand accounts of how the program impacts participants on the CBB YouTube playlist.

The CBB difference

At the end of each program year, participants indicate their level of agreement with a series of statements before and after the program. The charts below indicate the percentage of participants who agreed or strongly agreed with these specific statements.

I am able to use information about the community to envision Cleveland’s future.

I am able to think critically about how relationships between civic assets, issues, and stakeholders impact the health of the community.

To learn more about CLC’s evaluation process, visit our Impact page.

To learn more about CBB, email Angela O’Donnell or call (216) 965-9640.