Applications now available for 2017 leadership program
October 20, 2016
Connect with Southern Indiana, a regional leadership program managed by University of Southern Indiana Community Engagement, is now accepting applications for its 2017 class. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 21.
The annual program is focused on promoting active citizenship for up to 24 individuals across a nine-county region in southwest Indiana. Faculty from USI's Entrepreneurial Initiative will facilitate sessions on divergent and analytical thinking, idea generation, communication and strategic entrepreneurship from a community development perspective.
"The lessons imparted through Connect stimulate both sides of your brain," said Ryan Vaal of Vectren Corporation and a member of the 2016 class. "The program's innovative take on idea generation is balanced by a rigorous focus on effective entrepreneurial and presentation strategies, which can be regularly applied in many professional work environments."
Participants will meet others from the region with similar concerns and interests, identify areas for collaborative projects and meet business and civic leaders while developing creative problem solving skills in a high-energy setting.
"One thing that sets the Connect program apart is its focus on the region as opposed to one county or community," said Leslie Townsend, director of Community Engagement. "Participants get a chance to not only learn about the nine counties, but to visit each one and selected attractions."
The cost per person is partially covered by USI, with participants or their employers asked to cover the remaining $500. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available. USI employees are eligible to apply for a fee waiver. Graduate and undergraduate credit is available.Participants will attend 10 full-day sessions, including one overnight retreat in New Harmony, Indiana, between January and May. Members of the class will develop a collaborative project which they will present at the end of the program.
Additional information and an application for the 2017 Connect with Southern Indiana class can be found at USI.edu/connect or by contacting Leslie Townsend at ltownsen@usi.edu.