Each December, a new class of participants is selected to attend MCLA beginning in January. Nominations come from local businesses, non-profits, utilities, and churches. The participants commit to attend 9 sessions plus a graduation dinner over 9 months. Each session is tailored to learning facets of Morgan County and building basic leadership skills.
The January session is a one-day opening retreat. The retreat is designed to allow participants to learn about MCLA, understand the challenges facing Morgan County, and get acquainted with each other.
Each month, the group will meet to learn more about a facet of life in Morgan County - everything from the educational system to how the jail operates. The class also selects a community project to enhance some aspect of Morgan County. It can be to raise funds for a local organization, provide information to the community, or improve a public system.
In late September, participants are celebrated during an evening graduation ceremony. At the ceremony, the class presents their community project(s). This ceremony is a chance for our participants to celebrate their achievements with their family, friends, and co-workers. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
In nine months, MCLA participants learn the fundamentals of leadership. One of the main points of the academy is to reinforce that leaders are not necessarily extraordinary people, but rather ordinary people who step up to help their communities, organizations and workplaces.
Morgan County Leadership Academy is a not-for-profit that is funded through participants' fees, corporate sponsorship and other donations from those in the community who recognize the value of leadership in community development.
Today, Morgan County benefits from hundreds of MCLA alumni who use their expertise within their local communities, civic organizations, not-for-profit agencies, and government bodies to enhance their community at all levels.
Bethaney Latham, Executive Director
Kelly Alcala, President
Heather Brown, Vice President
Bonnie Almon, Secretary
Beth Elkins, Treasurer