"Leadership Springfield is a truly amazing learning experience. As a native Springfieldian I thought I knew everything there was to know, but I was wrong! I highly recommend Leadership Springfield to anyone who wants to meet great new people, learn more about Springfield’s history and prepare to play an active role in Springfield’s future."
-Jane Patterson, president/owner, HomeStyle Ltd., Class XIX
Academy
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.
