Each year the Leadership Academy brings together 30 established and emerging leaders from every sector of MetroWest to explore issues, institutions, resources, and opportunities in the region.

Leadership fellows emerge from their year-long Academy experience with valuable cross-sector connections, community knowledge, and a strong sense of personal direction. They are invigorated, confident, committed, and better prepared to help effect community and organizational change.

Participants engage in monthly site visits and discussions with local, regional and state leaders and experts and experience diverse schools of thought and team-building while refining their personal leadership capacity and cultivating relationships with other leaders.

THE PROGRAM

After a professionally facilitated two-day team-building orientation in September, Academy fellows meet monthly through June to learn from first-hand sources. Topics explored include government, business, the economy, arts & culture, public safety, education, environment, health & human services, transportation, and housing.  (Sample Academy Curriculum)

Another element of the program is a professionally developed, innovative curriculum, “Positive Leadership,” designed to help identify, expand and enhance seven core leadership capacities. It is a clear and useful approach to leadership that can apply to business, nonprofit and municipal leaders, and has a strong personal development component.

At each monthly Academy program, time is set aside for work on one or more community service projects that will have a positive impact in the region.  Leadership fellows get hands-on experience in every aspect of creating and implementing a community-based initiative and being part of a team.

EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE

There are 800 Leadership Academy alumni –“uncommon leaders serving the common good.” Individually and collectively, they have had a positive impact on our region’s quality of life and economic development.

Leadership fellows emerge from their year-long Academy experience with valuable cross-sector connections, community knowledge, and a strong sense of personal direction. They are invigorated, confident, committed, and better prepared to help effect community and organizational change.

If you’d like to know more about joining the next Academy program or nominating someone you know, click here.