Leadership & Ascend Applications Open, Happy Hour, and More!

Leadership Round Rock and Ascend Class of 2026 Applications are Open!

Round Rock’s strength is built on invested, involved, and educated community leaders. So, we’re excited to announce that applications for the next class of Leadership Round Rock and Ascend are now open through October 20! Click the links below to view details and submit your application.

Leadership Round Rock: Since 1986, Leadership Round Rock has cultivated community leaders through monthly, in-depth sessions exploring Round Rock’s history, infrastructure, educational system, infrastructure, and governance. Each class also completes a community project and fundraiser to support a local nonprofit, building both civic awareness and lasting connections. Click for more information.

Ascend: Ascend is an annual program designed for emerging leaders who are equipped to serve the Round Rock community and are focused on personal, professional, and leadership development. Participants of this exclusive program will receive a deep dive into specific topics and issues that affect the community. In addition, class participants will have an opportunity to connect directly with Ascend Alumni and community mentors to set future leadership goals following program graduation. Click to for more information.

Hearts for Horses Fundraising Event & Ribbon Cutting

The Leadership Round Rock Class of 2025 invites you to an evening of fun, food, and community on September 20th as we celebrate the progress of our class project and continue raising support for ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids.

For over 25 years, ROCK has provided equine-assisted therapy that transforms the lives of children, adults, and veterans with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. To help sustain this mission, our class has taken on a major renovation project at ROCK, upgrading all 28 horse stalls and multiple pasture sheds.

Over the past months, we’ve rolled up our sleeves to:

• Replace aging water troughs, mineral containers, hay bags, and “butt scratchers”

• Restore and stain stall doors, making the barn brighter and more welcoming

• Install new cooling fans and stall door wheels for safety and comfort

• Add new feeding menus and personalized nameplates for every horse

• Improve pastures with new nameplates to help track the herd

This work is about more than just repairs, it’s about creating a healthier, safer, and more comfortable home for ROCK’s therapy horses, who in turn bring healing, joy, and confidence to people across our community. Click HERE to learn more and donate directly to the project!

Doors open at 6:00 PM. Join us for specialty drinks, BBQ, live music, a ribbon cutting and stall reveal, horse poop bingo, prizes, and more! Click for more information and purchase tickets.

Leadership & Ascend Happy Hour

Join us for a special evening October 1 from 4-6 p.m., bringing together past and present participants of our Leadership Programs—Leadership Round Rock and Ascend. Graduating from these programs is a true accomplishment, but the real magic lies in the lasting connections, friendships, and collaborations that come from the journey.

This happy hour is your chance to reunite with familiar faces, meet new members of the leadership community, and celebrate the impact we’ve made together.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.