KLA Develops Tomorrow’s Community Leaders

The Kosciusko Leadership Academy (KLA) is a best practice in community leadership development.

Founded nearly 30 years ago by two visionary volunteers/leaders in Warsaw, KLA remains a volunteer-led program. Its mission is to develop informed, innovative leaders who will serve the community by skillfully leading it into the future. KLA aspires to accomplish this through education, enrichment, inspiration and challenging its cohorts. KLA boasts 500 graduates to date.

KLA graduates, the KLA Executive Committee and the KLA Board of Trustees are invited to the annual networking kick-off event to meet the incoming students. This meeting is one of many serving to connect emerging leaders with key leaders in the community—a key component of the program. KLA Moderator Allyn Decker comments, “As moderator, I get to meet 25 new cadets every year and help connect them to the community resources they will need to address an issue and propose solutions. That’s really rewarding!”

In addition to networking opportunities, KLA students learn through regularly scheduled sessions throughout the year, featuring critical community issues. These include government (city, county, state), philanthropy, healthcare, education, agriculture, business and entrepreneurship. Some of the topical sessions include the presence and impact of orthopedic industry in Kosciusko County and protecting water resources.

The KLA program culminates with a white paper project, formerly known as Project Proud by past graduates. Students identify an issue of interest, form teams and develop a workable solution.

Each group presents its white paper to peers and community leaders. KLA Board of Trustees determines the winning project and provides initial funds that can be used toward implementing the project. This supports another important aspect of the program—encouraging involvement in the community.

The KLA graduation banquet recognizes students’ hard work and growth during the program. We asked Decker who should enroll in KLA. “Anyone who cares about our county! Our cadets represent a wide variety of ages and backgrounds but share in their desire to learn about what makes life great in Kosciusko County. And how to make it event better,” states Decker.

Applications for the next class are being accepted. You can download an application at www.klaconnect.com. Also, KLA Recruitment Officer Cameron Plew can be reached via e-mail at cameron.plew@lakecitybank.com.