SALISBURY — Applications for the 2016-2017 Leadership Rowan Class are due Friday.

More than 500 people have graduated from the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s program, which has been going on for 23 years.

The program consists of nine class days over nine months that will cover nine different topics: history and power, criminal justice, public education, human needs, government, business and the economy, communications and quality of life.

Within those topics, class members will also cover subjects like social media, public speaking, crisis communication, conflict management, grant funding and diversity training.

Both community leaders and community leaders in the making are invited to apply.

Participants are asked to make a serious commitment to the program and have prior employer permission to attend the classes for the full day.

Class members will learn leadership skills and styles, along with developing new techniques that will help with their careers.

The program starts with a kickoff reception on August 18, followed by an overnight opening retreat on August 25 and 26. Class days will be on the third Thursday of every month, starting in September and running through May. Class members are required to attend the sessions for the full day. They are also required to ride on the bus for the retreat and all class sessions.

Graduates of the program will receive a personalized, framed Leadership Rowan certificate.

Tuition costs $800 for Chamber of Commerce members and $1,200 for non-members. The fee covers the reception, opening retreat, free tickets to the Power in Partnership breakfast meetings, class day luncheon, snacks and program materials.

Participants have until July 29 to make their tuition payment. A limited number of not-for-profit scholarships may be available.

Chamber member firms are also able submit applications to send two employees per class. The Leadership Rowan Steering Committee will choose the class members based on the applicant’s application only.

Applications are due at 5 p.m. on Friday. Applications must be completed online at www.rowanchamber.com/pages/LeadershipRowan1/. For more information, contact Charlene Deese at 704-633-4221 or cdeese@rowanchamber.com.