Kettering Leadership Academy Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply?

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.

How are participants selected?

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.

When is the Kettering Leadership Academy held?

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.

What is a typical class day like?

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

What is expected from the participants?

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

Who speaks at the classes?

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