Elgin leadership academy accepting applications
The Elgin Area Leadership Academy, a program of the Elgin Area Chamber, is now accepting applications for its new class beginning September.
Consider joining the program if you live, work, or have an interest in learning more about the city of Elgin and enhancing your leadership skills.
The Leadership Academy empowers individuals and inspires community leaders to celebrate what's right in the community and further develop the resources of the city.
Through face-to-face meetings with local leaders, on-site visits, and tours, participants identify their strengths in all aspects of life from personal to professional to community.
Participant selection is based upon evidence of community involvement and a willingness to assume greater community responsibilities. The Leadership Academy requires a significant commitment to the class with participant attendance being critical for achieving the maximum benefit from the program.
Tuition is $525 per person. The fee includes breakfasts, tours, materials, and a graduation program. There may be partial scholarships available to those who show a need.
Graduates of this program are represented in virtually every elected and appointed office in the community. Alumni have become active contributors to nonprofit agencies, neighborhood organizations, religious groups, governance, social and civic clubs throughout the greater Elgin community.
This is your chance to become part of a critical and expanding community network. Visit the website at www.elginchamber.com/leadershipacademy.cfm for information and to apply online.
If you are interested in being a part of the next class, complete the application and attach a letter of support from someone who can provide knowledge of your qualifications or civic leadership. Add a one-page essay describing what you expect to gain for your experience as a member of the class of 2014-15.
The deadline for nominations is Sunday, Aug. 10.
Most classes will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. The program will begin with "Leadership Development" from 8 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27. The next class will be "The Academy Experience" on Oct. 18, followed by "A Window to Our World: A Bus Tour of Elgin" on Nov. 1. The class, "To Our Health," will be held on Nov. 22, followed by "Board Governance" on Dec. 13, and "Education" on Jan. 10. In February, there will be two classes, "Ethical Leadership Docudrama," from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 3 and 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 7. They will focus on "City of Elgin Heritage" on March 7, followed by "Economic Development" on April 11. The final class will be "Through the Eyes of Volunteer Leaders" on April 25, followed by graduation from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. May 9.