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Lake Superior Leadership Academy Fund

Sponsor A Student—Make A Difference!

The Lake Superior Community Partnership established the Lake Superior Leadership Academy with the firm conviction that today’s leadership has an obligation to nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Our committee is committed to recruiting a group of the area’s finest emerging leaders who would represent a broad spectrum of the community. We extend an invitation for you to participate as a sponsoring organization or class member.

A leader is one who recognizes the potential in people and strives to establish and maintain a climate where individuals may develop and maximize their contributions. The Lake Superior Leadership Academy provides that conduit to a unique group of individuals whose future impact upon our community is incalculable.

Purpose

The Lake Superior Leadership Academy is designed to bring together new, emerging and potential leaders from the area to address pertinent community needs, strengthen individual leadership abilities and encourage participants to personally commit to assuming new leadership roles in the community.

Key Objectives

• to identify potential leaders;
• to educate participants about community needs and leadership opportunities;
• to improve management and leadership skills;
• to develop relationships of value when working together on community projects;
• to create rapport among participants and present community leaders;
• to assist in matching the talents of selected participants with leadership needs.

The Program

The Lake Superior Leadership Academy will conduct annual “classes”. Both applicants and their employers must agree that each applicant will devote at least one weekday per month for eight months (October – May) to the program. The format is similar to successful programs in other communities.

An initial orientation “retreat” for each class will be followed by one session each month, ending with graduation ceremonies. The sessions are designed to acquaint class members with information on the organizational structure, unique features, strengths and challenges of the community. The program encourages participation in community affairs. An important benefit of the program is that members of each class will become aware of community networking and participate in it. Alumni from previous classes are called upon to take part in programs for new classes.

Organizational Structure

The Lake Suprior Leadership Academy operates as an independent program within the Lake Superior Community Partnership. The organization has appointed a program director to oversee the day-to-day activities relating to the program.

The Program Year

The Academy consists of a weekend retreat in the Fall, eight topic-oriented seminars and a wrap-up graduation program in the Spring. The retreat sets the stage for the programs which will vary from the structured exercises to exploring dynamics of our society, an analysis of individual leadership and decision making styles and effective utilization of group process. The following sessions focus individually on a major area of community concern and explore the issue of leadership within the context of the day’s program.

Selection

The Academy actively solicits applicants from all sectors of the community. Criteria for selection include demonstrated leadership skills, active involvement in the community, and a commitment to invest the time required by the program. A conscientious effort will be made to select participants who represent a cross-section of the community. This will guarantee that the diversity of perspectives will generate meaningful personal interaction and learning in the Leadership Program.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is mandatory for Academy participants. Prospective participants who are unable to attend the retreat, the established sessions, and graduation need not apply.

Impact

The Academy will provide participants an opportunity to meet and talk with leaders from all segments of our community. They will exchange views and share opinions and challenges facing our area. In addition, the interaction of the participants allows for the opportunity to develop mutual trust and respect which will encourage continuing relationships outside the formal program.

Over a period of time, as alumni increase their community participation and assume positions of greater responsibility, our community will be strengthened.

A New Resource

Graduates of the Academy will become a part of a new community resource – a group of men and women with the desire and ability to positively impact important community activities. They will have gained a new awareness of our community – what makes it work, its strengths its challenges and what needs to be done in the future.

How To Apply

Applications may be initiated individually or by nomination. Participants will be chosen from the written applications.

Nominees will require the full support of the organization or business which they represent. Attendance and participation in each session are essential.

Tuition

Tuition may be paid by the sponsoring organization or corporation. A limited number of partial scholarships will be granted to individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend.

For more information contact Carol, Program Facilitator at (906) 226-6591.

Leadership Legacy Program

Testimonials From Class Participants

“If you have any desire to become more fully engaged in your community and enhance your personal growth, find a way to participate in a Lake Superior Leadership Academy class. The knowledge you will gain and the experiences you will have is truly a once in a lifetime educational opportunity.”
Eva Vigo, Northern Michigan University, Class of 2007

“The Academy has given me the opportunity to see all of the facets of our community in motion. It has given me the knowledge to continue in my path as an future leader of this community.”  Jennifer Voegtline-Frazier, Class of 2002, Alger-Marquette Human Services Coordinator/MSU Extension

“The Leadership Academy has given me the opportunity to see, experience and learn from many of the components of Marquette County that make it such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. It has been a learning and growth experience, both personally and professionally.”  Karen Anderson, Class of 2003, J.M. Longyear, LLC

“The Academy is a very concise and creative way of allowing students to “connect the dots” between all the facets of the Marquette Area Community.”  Dale Hemmila, Class of 2004, Cleveland-Cliffs

“The Academy was a great opportunity to learn about the institutions and people of Marquette County. I learned how the different governmental units and businesses work together to make Marquette County such a great place to work and live.”  Patrick Doyle, Class of 2004, STS Consultants, Ltd.

“The Leadership Academy offers an excellent eye-opening opportunity to learn valuable information about all aspects of our community. I recommend this course for anyone who wants to be an active member of their community.”  Ellen Weingarten, Class of 2005, Northern Initiatives

“The Leadership Academy has allowed me the opportunity to gain insight and perspective, as well as meeting and interacting with valuable personalities in our community.”  Terry Kalvitter, Class of 2005, Great Lakes Recovery Centers

“This was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about our local community and come to appreciate the deep concern and commitment that people have in that regard.”  Paul Lang, Ph.D., NMU-Professor, Class of ’99

“I can not think of another program that offers the kind of in-depth and high quality introduction to community services, community needs and community leaders that was offered through the Academy. It was a uniquely valuable experience that was well worth the commitment of time and resources.”
Ruth A. Solinski, Two Tarts Catering, Class of ’99

“An opportunity to learn about key issues affecting my community; A great hands-on experience; an atmosphere that allowed academy participants and leaders to form personal business relationships.”
Tim Ryan, Wells Fargo, Class of ’99

 

The Lake Superior Leadership Academy is a project of the Lake Superior Community Partnership.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: The Academy enforces a strict attendance policy.

IMPORANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY…

The Academy enforces a strict attendance policy. Absence from up to two class sessions, other than Retreat, prevents a participant from officially graduating. The missed session(s) must be made up the following year, unless prior arrangements are made. In the case of two missed sessions, the participant must also perform an additional task that pertains to leadership and can be shared with the class. Possibilities include writing a short paper, sharing an article pertaining to an aspect of leadership or possibly a book review. Absence from the bulk of Retreat or from any three class sessions is grounds for immediate dismissal from the Lake Superior Leadership Academy , with no tuition refund. Please review the above dates carefully. If you are unable to attend one or more of these sessions, please apply to the Academy another year.

Read more about the LSLA Program by reading the electronic version of Marquette County Vision.