Program Details

Join us on an exciting journey towards continuous improvement excellence! Whether you’re just taking on a CI role, or looking to reinvigorate it within your organization, our member-only cohort will guide and empower you.

Our mission is simple: to help CI leaders like you gain invaluable knowledge by sharing challenges and best practices within a trusted peer-group community. As part of the ILC CI Cohort (CIC) you’ll tap into a dynamic network of Lean resources and like-minded individuals committed to project implementation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

What you can expect from our cohort:

  • Collaborative Sessions: Dive into interactive sessions designed for collaboration, problem-solving, and idea exchange with fellow CI enthusiasts.
  • Inspiring Guest Speakers: Learn from industry experts and thought leaders who will provide valuable insights and inspiration for your CI journey.
  • Exclusive Host Company Tours: Get a firsthand look at what others are doing by touring host companies.

In our third year, we’re thrilled to continue to open this opportunity to all ILC members. However, please note that space is limited, so don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of something transformative.

Join a committed group of CI practitioners to help you on your CI journey!

Key Dates, Information and Investment

  • Each CI Cohort group will begin in February – each session starting at 10:00am and ending at 2:30pm
  • Dates for 2026 coming fall of 2025!
  • Missing 2 or more sessions may result in being removed from the cohort – please make this commitment a priority.
  • Participants will stay with the same cohort group throughout the year 
  • We will attempt to geographically group Cohort participants. Three sessions will take place in Ames at the CIRAS location, and three will be hosted by Cohort participants, with the opportunity for sharing and learning with concrete examples in your environments.
  • This is an ILC only member offering – must join/renew or be an active ILC member to apply
  • Investment $600 per person (includes materials, lunch, snacks, and drinks).

Application & Selection Timeline

 

Applications open October 23, 2025

Applications due December 22, 2025
You must join/renew your ILC membership before December 20 for consideration.

Applicants will be notified by January 7, 2026

 

If you have questions about the application or the Cohort, please contact Emily Betz at betze@iastate.edu.