Build Energy Leadership in the Global Energy Capital
The Houston Energy Leadership Cohort (HELC) is a 10-week professional development program for mid-career professionals with 10+ years of experience in the energy sector.
Through expert-led sessions, site visits, and direct access to industry leaders, participants gain a practical understanding of Houston’s energy ecosystem and the leadership skills to navigate it.
Expand Your Perspective and Strengthen Your Impact
HELC offers a focused, high-access experience designed to help you lead more effectively in a complex and evolving industry.
Houston-Focused Learning
Experience the energy capital firsthand and understand how decisions made here influence global markets.
Policy and Financial Insight
Learn how capital, regulation, and policy shape the direction of the energy sector.
Leadership in Practice
Strengthen communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking in real-world contexts.
Cross-Sector Network
Build relationships with peers and leaders across energy, finance, policy, and innovation.
The Experience
What You Gain from the Cohort
The Houston Energy Leadership Cohort is designed to provide access and insight that are difficult to gain within a single organization.
Direct Access to Industry Leaders
Engage with senior executives, policymakers, and investors in small-group discussions.
Exclusive Site Visits
Visit key energy hubs including infrastructure, ports, innovation centers, and policy environments.
Signature Policy Experiences
Engage directly in the policy environments shaping the energy industry. The Alumni participated in a Washington, D.C. fly-in, while the Spring cohorts take part in Texas Capitol Day in Austin.
Curated Peer Cohort
Join a group of experienced professionals from across the energy value chain.
Focused Weekly Sessions
Explore policy, capital formation, infrastructure, innovation, and sustainability.
Capstone Project
Apply your learning to a real-world challenge with practical relevance to your work.
Enduring Network
Build long-term connections through the HELC alumni community.
“Participating in the Houston Energy Leadership Cohort was a rewarding and insightful experience. It brought together diverse perspectives across the energy sector and provided real-world exposure to the issues shaping Houston’s energy future. The relationships and insights I gained have remained valuable well beyond the program, and I would highly recommend it to professionals looking to grow their leadership skills in the industry.”
Catherine Pellegrin Project Manager, Development, Grid United
What Participants Say About the Experience
HELC is designed to deliver real-world value. From expanded perspective to meaningful career growth, participants consistently describe the experience as both practical and transformative.
Program Leadership
Guided by Industry and Policy Experts
The program is shaped by advisors across energy, policy, finance, and innovation. Their input ensures the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with the realities of today’s energy landscape.
Advisors Include:
- Energy executives
- Policy and regulatory experts
- Financial and investment leaders
- Innovation and technology leaders
Full advisor list coming soon.
Program details
Key Dates and Application Timeline
- Early Decision Period: March 20 – July 3
- Informational Session: August 5, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
- Applications Close: August 7
- Acceptance Letters: August 14
- Orientation: September 2
- Program Fee: $7000
What You’ll Learn
Program Objectives
- Understand Houston’s role in the global energy system
- Explore the full energy value chain
- Examine policy, finance, and market dynamics
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills
- Apply insights to real-world challenges
Join a Future Cohort
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Greater Houston Partnership member?
No. The program is open to both members and non-members.
No. The program is open to both members and non-members.
Who should apply?
- Startup and innovation leaders
- Supply chain and manufacturing professionals
- Energy services professionals
- Corporate affairs and government relations leaders
What is the time commitment?
Participants attend one 2-4 hour session per week over 10 weeks. Sessions are a mix of in-person, virtual, and offsite experiences.
Participants attend one 2-4 hour session per week over 10 weeks. Sessions are a mix of in-person, virtual, and offsite experiences.
Can multiple people from my company participate?
Yes. Many organizations send multiple participants. If approved, we will accept up to four individuals from one company.
Yes. Many organizations send multiple participants. If approved, we will accept up to four individuals from one company.
Is the program selective?
Yes. HELC is a competitive program with a limited cohort size to ensure a high-quality experience. Additionally, there is an Application Review and Acceptance Letter distribution.
Yes. HELC is a competitive program with a limited cohort size to ensure a high-quality experience. Additionally, there is an Application Review and Acceptance Letter distribution.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions are a mix of in-person, virtual, and offsite experiences. In-person sessions are primarily held at Partnership Tower, with additional sessions hosted at key industry locations across Houston.
Sessions are a mix of in-person, virtual, and offsite experiences. In-person sessions are primarily held at Partnership Tower, with additional sessions hosted at key industry locations across Houston.
What makes HELC different from other leadership programs?
HELC is uniquely focused on Houston’s energy ecosystem and provides direct access to industry leaders, infrastructure, and decision-making environments.
HELC is uniquely focused on Houston’s energy ecosystem and provides direct access to industry leaders, infrastructure, and decision-making environments.
Have questions?
