COHORT FAQ's
Applications for the Fall Cohort of Forward 48 are now open!
Note: Forward 48 is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and as such, the majority of cohort sessions will take place in Milwaukee. If accepted into the Spring 2026 Cohort, transportation options are provided for sessions located outside of your region.
Check out some Frequently Asked Questions about the Forward 48 experience below. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What is Forward 48?
Forward 48 is the region’s premier leadership development program, designed to connect the next generation of changemakers with the people, knowledge, and resources to move their companies and communities forward.
As a premier, regional program, we do things differently:
- 560+ Alumni Strong: Forward 48 has served nine cohorts of over 500 alumni, paving the way for future Forward 48 participants to join a powerful, built-in network of leaders who continue to learn, connect, and support one another long after the program ends.
- Statewide Network: Headquartered in Milwaukee, Forward 48 connects rising leaders across city lines. From Green Bay to Madison to Kenosha—and everywhere in between—this program was created for those ready to broaden their perspective and expand their network beyond their own area code.
- Diverse Audience: Forward 48 intentionally brings together leaders across industries, ages, races, genders, and lived experiences. By learning alongside people with different perspectives and paths, participants gain deeper insight, stronger relationships, and a more holistic approach to leadership.
- Unprecedented Access: Participants gain meaningful access to some of the region’s most respected leaders through candid conversations. Founded on collaboration over competition, Forward 48 creates trusted spaces where leaders share real stories—highlighting not just success, but failure, growth, and lessons learned.
- Authentic Connections: Each participant is placed on a curated Home Team designed to foster trust, reflection, and accountability. These small groups create space for honest conversation, peer support, and relationships that often extend well beyond the cohort experience.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Forward 48 is a leadership program like no other. From exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to iconic venues and institutions, to intentional moments designed for connection and reflection, every detail is carefully crafted to leave a lasting impression on Wisconsin’s rising leaders.
How does the program work?
Participants partake in an immersive six-week cohort—engaging in candid conversations with seasoned leaders, collaborating with peers across industries, and developing the skills, resources, and support needed to lead.
What does each session look like?
Faculty Conversation: Each week features a conversation with a different faculty speaker. The goal is an authentic, candid, story-driven conversation that feels real rather than polished.
Small Group Debrief & Talkback: Participants break into small groups to process the conversation, connect it to their leadership, and share insights. A few participants will then share out to the larger group what they heard.
Home Team Time: Consistent small groups that gather each session across all six weeks. Each member will take turns bringing a real challenge – their “Big Rock” – and the team digs in together.
What topics will be covered?
The Forward 48 curriculum is designed around the following six principles:
- Self-Awareness: Fostering a deep understanding of one’s leadership style, skills, strengths, and areas for growth through honesty and self-reflection.
- Empathy & Understanding: Cultivating empathy and inclusion through curiosity and openness, replacing assumptions and stereotypes with understanding and compassion.
- Succession Support: Building connections between established and emerging leaders to promote individual growth and strengthen community impact.
- Empowerment: Equipping participants to leverage networks, leadership skills, and opportunities to drive meaningful change.
- Network Connectivity: Building a robust personal and professional network to support and navigate the complexities of leadership.
- Leadership Readiness: Developing the tools and skills necessary to lead inclusively and effectively within one’s community.
What skills will I learn or practice?
Forward 48 develops leaders who leave the cohort with both the mindset and the practical skills to lead more effectively in their organizations, their industries, and their communities.
During the Cohort, we will practice:
- Framing and navigating complex problems
- Making confident decisions under uncertainty
- Navigating and aligning diverse stakeholders
- Communicating with clarity and influence
- Giving and receiving feedback with intention
- Reflecting honestly on our own leadership
- Convening and leading across differences
- Understanding regional leadership ecosystems
Who is Forward 48 designed for?
This program is designed for rising leaders from across the state of Wisconsin who are eager to learn, grow, and become active participants in their companies and communities. The ideal participant is community-oriented, self-aware, eager to learn, open-minded and empathy-driven.
We pride ourselves on the fact that there is no one sector or job title that our program is catered towards—the diversity of backgrounds that our participants have is one of our greatest strengths.
In our most recent Cohort, the average age for a Forward 48 participant was 35, with participants ranging in age from 25-45.
What happens after the program ends?
After the six-week cohort, our growing network of 560+ leaders around the state of Wisconsin continues to develop relationships through exclusive events that aim to educate, engage, and equip our alumni for continued leadership and civic engagement.
By participating in Forward 48’s six-week leadership development program, alumni gain access to intentional programming after the Cohort.
What is the time commitment?
The Forward 48 experience often begins with our six-week program. The program contains approximately 25 total hours of in-person leadership development programming over the span of six sessions. Outside of these six sessions, participants are able to enjoy an additional meal with a small group from their cohort and will also partake in one additional meeting with their Home Team.
How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the Cohort Tuition is as follows:
- Early Bird Pricing: $2,700
- Standard Pricing: $3,000
What does the cost include?
Participating in a cohort offers rising leaders across Wisconsin access to Forward 48’s premier six-week leadership development experience, designed to accelerate careers, expand networks, and strengthen communities. It also includes ongoing access to the your fellow Cohort participants, as well as access to the Forward 48 Alumni Network.
How do participants pay for the program?
Invoices will not be sent until after a participant has been accepted into Forward 48. There is no cost to apply to Forward 48 and no payment information will be collected until after admissions decisions are made.
Many participants choose to pursue tuition reimbursement from their employer, and we provide a ready-to-send letter to help get that conversation started.
Forward 48 also offers payment plan flexibility for your ongoing success, as well as additional scholarship opportunities.
Contact us at admin@forward48.com to learn more about payment options.
How can I maximize my Forward 48 experience?
To maximize the Forward 48 experience, all we ask is that participants and alumni come to sessions and events with open minds, ready to engage with both our faculty and fellow members.
Like anything, the more energy and attention you put in, the more you will get out of the experience. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—we are all here to learn (not to pass judgment).
If you have any questions or concerns along the way, feel free to reach out to a member of our team. We’ll be there for you every step of the way!