MISSION STATEMENT

The Kettering Leadership Academy empowers citizens to take on active leadership roles that shape the future of our community. Through hands-on experiences, presentations, and discussions, participants will gain crucial leadership skills and a deep understanding of Kettering’s key sectors, including public safety, government, education, healthcare, and community organizations.

By fostering collaboration and broadening participants' understanding of community challenges, the Academy builds an engaged, informed network of leaders ready to drive positive change. We invite those with leadership potential and a passion for Kettering’s future to join this transformative nine-month journey. Graduates will become part of a dynamic, lasting network, uniquely qualified to lead Kettering into the future.

OBJECTIVES

The Kettering Leadership Academy’s primary goal is to cultivate a continuous resource of dynamic community leaders who are prepared to make a lasting impact. To achieve this, the Academy has identified six specific objectives:

1. To Identify, Educate, and Develop Potential Community Leaders: The Academy is committed to recruiting a representative pool of participants, reflecting the varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that make up the Kettering community. The program will focus on identifying and cultivating leaders across civic, business, and non-profit sectors, fostering leadership skills applicable across diverse community settings.

2. To Expand the Leadership Potential of Participants: Through targeted education and training, the Academy will help participants unlock their leadership potential, equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to lead effectively.

3. To Enhance Quality of Life in the Community through Leadership in Action: Participants will be given opportunities to apply their leadership skills in real-world projects, fostering collaboration and creating a tangible positive impact in Kettering. Community engagement and service will be central to this objective.

4. To Provide Access to Leadership Opportunities and Mentorship: The Academy will serve as a channel for individuals to gain access to leadership opportunities in an informed and responsible manner by conceiving and executing a capstone project. Participants will also have access to a network of established community leaders who can provide continued guidance and support.

5. To Ensure Personal Growth, Community Recognition, and Long-Term Engagement: The Academy will ensure participants experience personal growth and satisfaction throughout the program. Graduates will receive community recognition and be encouraged to stay actively engaged in Kettering’s ongoing leadership initiatives, fostering a sustainable and long-lasting leadership pipeline.

A maximum of 14 people will have the opportunity to participate in the Kettering Leadership Academy during the 9-month period. Participants are selected on their own merit by the Academy's board members. The admissions process consists of a written application and personal interview.

Each participant is required to attend at least six sessions and the opening retreat to be eligible to graduate. Class preparation will include reviewing reading materials and completing assignments.

 

Program Schedule

 

THE PARTICIPANTS

Participants will be asked to participate in a community issue or complete a class project. The purpose is to provide an opportunity to participants to engage in the small group decision-making process that will help prepare them for future involvement in volunteer civic and community activities.

The class selection process seeks a cross-section of the community - men and women from different career, educational, political and cultural backgrounds.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to set and achieve goals, which is an indication of the applicant's motivation and leadership potential.