Applications for the 2026 Community Health Center University are officially live!
The VCHA Community Health Center University (CHCU) leadership program, hosted in partnership with the University of Richmond and the Virginia Association of Free Clinics, targets emerging leaders from Community Health Centers (CHCs), lookalike centers, and free clinics in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Throughout the year-long program, participants gain experience through a curriculum of seminars and practical activities tailored to the CHC setting. Every monthly learning session and one-to-one leadership coaching session is developed and delivered by expert coaches from a full range of healthcare administration backgrounds. Admitted as a cohort, participants gain a network of peers and mentors for their time in the program and beyond.
The CHCU program is designed to cultivate a range of leadership skills essential to community health center development, from evaluation and compliance to strategy and growth. CHCU graduates are empowered to bring their skills and leadership back to their CHC to build and strengthen their organization, its mission, and its impact.
“Initially, I felt intimidated joining a group of highly educated and accomplished professionals, especially as a new HR assistant with no direct leadership experience.” shares 2024 participant Morgan Pettey, from Stone Mountain Health Services. “However, the program has been transformative. I’ve gained valuable insights into leadership, discovered more about myself, and built a supportive network. The curriculum—from ACEs and strategic planning to mass media communication and finance—has enriched my preparation for effective leadership.”
The application period for the 2026 Community Health Center University cohort is August 8, 2025 – October 15, 2025.
Learn more about Community Health Center University on VCHA’s website – Community Health Center University – Virginia Community Healthcare Association.
