Shaping the future of Wisconsin.
Forward 48 is the region’s premier leadership development program. We built a robust and diverse civic leadership succession strategy through experiential learning, professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities.
The Forward 48 Experience
Unprecedented Access
Forward 48 attracts passionate and purpose-driven professionals that believe in change. We dive deep into social and civic challenges, spark meaningful dialogue, and develop the relationships needed to drive actual change in our communities.
Authentic Connections
Being a part of the Forward 48 network gets you in front of today’s most impactful civic leaders and surrounded by the next generation of change-makers from across the region.
Unforgettable Experience
In just 6 weeks, you’ll get a “behind the scenes” look into how cities grow, communities change, and people get big things done. After that, you’re in the network – joining us for exclusive alumni events with an ever-growing group of incredible people.
Utilizing the best practices for engaging virtual learning, Forward 48 provides
Live Instruction
Direct virtual engagement with the city’s top business and community leaders
Curated Networking
Private events, networking opportunities, and unlocked Forward 48 content exclusively for alumni
Skill development
Advanced skill development and toolkits to spur economic growth and civic impact
Forward 48 faculty
Announcing
THE Spring 2023 Faculty
getting started
You’re ready to do big things. It’s time to apply!
-
Session Structure
-
-
Instructors
-
We have exclusively curated and invited a select group of the best leaders from across the state to share their roles in laying the foundation for much of Wisconsin’s growth.
-
Application Process
-
Admission to Forward 48 is by application. There are two ways to start the selection process:
1) You can apply to be a member of our next cohort via this form.
2) A leader in your organization or professional network can nominate you with this form.
Example letter to your employer here. -
Program Dates
-
Sessions are held every Thursday for six weeks.
Our Spring 2023 cohort begins on Thursday, April 27th.
Sessions:
- April 27, In-person session in Madison 8 AM – 8 PM
- May 4, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- May 11, Virtual 3 PM – 6 PM
- May 18, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- May 25, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- June 1, In-person session in Milwaukee, 8 AM – 8PM
-
Tuition
-
We are currently offering the entire six-week program for $3,000, which includes all program materials. Also including lifetime access to alumni network and events.
-
Benefits
-
-Four Marquette University scholarship credits that may be applied to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s in Public Service programs ($5,000 Value).
– Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
– Exclusive networking opportunities, and special alumni content designed to continue fostering the growth of Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders ($1,500 Value)
We have exclusively curated and invited a select group of the best leaders from across the state to share their roles in laying the foundation for much of Wisconsin’s growth.

Admission to Forward 48 is by application. There are two ways to start the selection process:
1) You can apply to be a member of our next cohort via this form.
2) A leader in your organization or professional network can nominate you with this form.
Example letter to your employer here.

Sessions are held every Thursday for six weeks.
Our Spring 2023 cohort begins on Thursday, April 27th.
Sessions:
- April 27, In-person session in Madison 8 AM – 8 PM
- May 4, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- May 11, Virtual 3 PM – 6 PM
- May 18, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- May 25, Virtual 3 PM – 6PM
- June 1, In-person session in Milwaukee, 8 AM – 8PM

We are currently offering the entire six-week program for $3,000, which includes all program materials. Also including lifetime access to alumni network and events.

-Four Marquette University scholarship credits that may be applied to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s in Public Service programs ($5,000 Value).
– Complimentary 6 month membership to Rotary ($800 Value)
– Exclusive networking opportunities, and special alumni content designed to continue fostering the growth of Wisconsin’s next generation of leaders ($1,500 Value)

Learn what 100+ companies already know












Don't just take our word for it,
hear what our alumni's have to say:




Demographically diverse
279 rising leaders have graduated from the forward 48 program
Racial Identity
Gender Identity
From Various Industries & Disciplines
67% Private Sector
- Technology
- Finance
- Legal
- Insurance
15% Non-profit sector
- Social Services
- Foundation
- Youth Development
- Arts
14% Public Sector
- Education
- Health
- Social Services
- Government
Reaching a robust civic engagement network
nonprofit boards
Reaching over 100 organizations















