Click Here to View  the Draft Comprehensive Plan and Provide Feedback

Kettering Leadership Academy Frequently Asked Questions

The Kettering Leadership Academy is a nine-month program designed for citizens to learn about every major aspect of community life through presentations, discussions and direct experience.

Any adult who lives or works in Kettering and is interested in learning about community life and then becoming a community leader.

You may need sponsorship from your employer or another sponsoring organization to allow time off from your workplace and for the $800 program fee.

The Leadership Academy Board selects participants based on their own merit including leadership potential and demonstrated commitment to the community. Class size is limited to 14 participants.

We accept applications beginning in March and ending in June. Interviews are typically conducted in late July to early August.

If accepted, participants will meet for classes the second Thursday of every month, October through May, excluding December. There is also a two-day retreat in September. Each class starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

A typical class covers a selected area and includes:

  • Overview by experts in the field
  • Opportunity to experience one or more aspects of that month’s topic
  • Casual conversation with community leaders
  • A leadership exercise based on the current class topic

Each class covers a different area and includes:

  • Local Government
  • Non- profit Organizations and Community Service
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Public Safety
  • Community Resources and Kettering History
  • Business Community

Participants are expected to:

  • Attend a mandatory two-day retreat
  • Attend at least six of the seven classes
  • Participate in small class teams
  • Gather information, develop solutions and present them to the class
  • Complete a community-related class project
  • Conduct assignment work and activities outside of normal class times

Other activities include:

  • Board meeting attendance (City of Kettering Council or subcommittee, Board of Education, not-for-profit/service organization)
  • Observation shift in a police cruiser
  • Reading assignments

A variety of Kettering community leaders representing government, business, church and service agencies will speak and share their experiences at the classes.

Close window