Apply for the Elgin Area Leadership Academy
Applications are open to join the Elgin Area Leadership Academy Class of 2022 beginning Oct. 2.
Like most things, they had to pause from offering the academy last fall because of COVID-19 but it is back in 2021.
The Elgin Area Leadership Academy was first conceptualized and offered in 1991. Since then, they hae graduated more than 550 individuals from the program.
These individuals occupy key leadership positions within the community, and help to ensure that the Elgin area is a great place to live, work, play, and grow.
The future of our community depends on the talent, dedication, and resourcefulness of these leaders. In the past 12 months, their leadership has helped get the community through some tough times. But the leadership pool always needs replinishing so that there are always individuals who are prepared, motivated, and excited to step into leadership roles.
Applications are available at www.elginchamber.com/leadership. Tuition cost is $525. There may be a partial scholarship for those who show a need. Full payment is expected by Sept. 26.
With Elgin Area Leadership Academy, a business leader has the opportunity to become a community leader! It's time to enroll to deepen your understanding of community and develop a broad and inclusive mindset needed for community stewardship.
Graduate and Elgin City Councilman Corey Dixon shares his experience, "I began applying the skills I acquired during my EALA experience right away at my job and within the Elgin community. I took on additional leadership opportunities at work and utilized by newfound network of EALA graduates to pursue holding public office."
A one-hour orientation will be offered at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, or noon Wednesday, Sept. 29.
It will begin with a leadership development program from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, followed by a bus tour from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.
"Academy Experience I and II" will be 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 20. It will be followed by a program on economic development from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 11.
In the new year, the program will meet from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 8 and 29, to cover education and the City of Elgin.
It will be followed by a program on health from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 26.
There will be two programs on ethical leadership from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, and 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 19. The first day will feature a docudrama, followed on Saturday by a discussion.
On Saturday, April 9, from 8 a.m. to noon, the topic will be board governance.
On Saturday, April 30, the program will be "Eyes of Volunteer Leaders" from 8 a.m. to noon.
The graduation will be Saturday, May 7. Sessions will be held at various locations in Elgin.
Armida Dominguez went through the program and she came away with a new awareness of community spirit and engagement with "a commuity I had lived in for many decades. We can help and support each other in our desires to make Elgin a greater place to live in by helping its people." She sees EALA pulling the best out of each participant and giving them a "can-do spirit." "We are the community and it's what we give back that makes its reputation."