Neighborhood Leadership Academy provides hands-on leadership training emphasizing community building principles, organizational leadership and management practices, and personal leadership skills. The program connects resources at University of Missouri-St. Louis (Community Partnership Project, Nonprofit Management and Leadership Program, and MU Extension) to residents and neighborhoods wanting to create more livable communities.
In Fall 2024, Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) hosted two cohorts, one in-person and one virtual, accommodating different learning styles and allowing for a higher volume of participants. With both cohorts combined, there were 54 participants from 13 counties. Additionally, NLA awarded scholarships with a total worth of $13,325, allowing individuals to participate in NLA at no cost and increasing access to individuals across the state looking to acquire skills and knowledge needed to bring positive change in their communities.
NLA also awarded mini-grants to a selection of 2024 NLA participants with a goal of ensuring that project ideas become reality and create positive change at the grassroots, neighborhood level. The program funded 10 projects across the state through a grant review committee made up of neighborhood leadership alumni. The total amount awarded was $23,783.
2024 NLA graduates shared the following feedback:
“The most helpful aspects of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy were the practical skills I gained in community engagement, project planning, and collaboration. Through NLA, I connected with fellow leaders and organizations, which underscored the power of collaboration. I now have a better understanding of how to leverage local resources and expertise to create more impactful, community-driven solutions. These aspects of NLA have provided me with valuable tools and insights that I will continue to apply as I work to revitalize neighborhoods and engage with my community.”
“So much positivity! I learned there are many people that want to make a positive impact in Missouri. I am optimistic that I will influence greater change in my community because of the support and techniques I have acquired. I loved learning from Extension.”
Additional information:
Neighborhood Leadership Academy
University of Missouri Extension