"Heading into Leadership Springfield I didn’t quite know what to expect. But the last nine months have been among the best of my career. I am sure previous classes have been good, but I can’t believe any class has been more diverse, creative and representative of the talent and leadership that Springfield has in its workforce. I feel the contacts I have made will benefit my employer, my community and me."
-Randy Stewart, supervisor of financial information systems, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., Class XIX
Academy
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Established in 1990 as a project of Leadership Springfield, the Academy is open to juniors from nine Springfield public and private high schools. Thirty-two students are selected each year for a shortened version of the adult program. Initial funding for the project during the first four classes was provided by the Southeast Rotary, Sunrise Rotary Club and Springfield Rotary Club. The Leadership Springfield Golf Tournament and program day sponsors are now the main funding sources for the Academy.
The program goals of the academy are:
- To provide exposure to community structure and issues.
- To provide interaction between developing leaders and the established leaders of today.
- To develop personal skills needed for future roles as leaders.
- To emphasize the importance of community service.
- To harness the enthusiasm of youth to help solve local problems.