Lead Through Community...

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Heart of Wisconsin Community Leadership Program is a dynamic and interactive leadership development experience designed to empower participants to be catalysts for positive change by providing a deeper understanding of our community through sharing practical tools for effective community leadership. 

2023 - 2024 Heart of Wisconsin Community Leadership Applications Available
Click here for the application

Key Skills and Knowledge Learned
- Organizational and community leadership skills
- Personal and interpersonal skills
- Local economic development and local/county economy
- The basics of local, county, and state government
- A solid background in issues related to Education, Health and Human Services, Governmental Systems, and Economic Development
- Hands-on Leadership Skills including Conflict Resolution, Working with Groups, Influencing Change, and Networking

Who should participate?
- Anyone interested in community involvement.
- Anyone interested in enhancing skills of leadership.

What is the Time Commitment?
One 1-1/2 day retreat in October, seven full-day sessions (once a month) from November through May, community project meetings, and an end of the year celebration. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. This program will also provide participants with opportunities to interact with various community leaders.

Applications
Corporations, individuals, organizations, or other businesses may nominate applicants. Forms will be sent directly to the nominated applicants when requested.

Tuition Fees
$650 registration rate per participant

Partial scholarships may be available for not-for-profit participants to cover part of the program cost. Any individual involved in a non-profit, non-governmental organization may apply. Selection will be done by the Leadership Advisory Board. Applicants are expected to show a commitment to the program through regular attendance. Class members will automatically be dropped, with no refund, after two (2) absences.

Sponsorships are available for this program. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

Contact Information
Laura Bonner-Ridgway, Workforce & Community Development Director
Email: workforce@wisconsinrapidschamber.com

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

C.O.O.L. TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

(COMMUNITY, OCCUPATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS & LEADERSHIP)

2023-2024 Heart of Wisconsin C.O.O.L. Teen Leadership Applications Available

Click here for the application

Our mission for the C.O.O.L. Teen Leadership Program 

Our Mission is to improve area high schools students' understanding of Community, Occupations, Organizations, and Leadership skills to form our next generation of leaders.  Learning objectives are based on the Department of Public Instruction's WI Youth Leadership Assessment.  This assessment will measure students' leadership skills that are most valued by employers, communities, and organizations.  such as Pittsville, Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, and Assumption.  This program runs once a month with leadership development and general information on the local communities. Students participating in this program will include sophomores and juniors. Each session will include a facilitator, course material, snacks, lunches, travel, and more. 

Does this format sound familiar? 

It sure does! The Heart of Wisconsin runs a very similar program called Community Leadership. This program has been successfully growing leaders in our communities for the last 32 years.  

The Heart of Wisconsin is eager to grow the future youth leaders in the community through this program and partnership.  

As the Heart of Wisconsin begins to take on this program, we are looking to our community partners to support the development of our youth. C.O.O.L. Teen Leadership is a great opportunity to be visible to not only students but parents, educators, and businesses.  

We hope to partner with local businesses, such as yourself, to provide the experiences these future leaders are craving.  

 
That’s not all. 
We are offering opportunities for businesses to become a part of the program.  During one of the sessions, you can bring in a speaker to highlight your business or you can choose to be a location stop to showcase your business.  Leadership is not just a one-time session but a lifelong skill.  
 

Who should participate?

• Students who are interested in community involvement.
• Students who want to explore career options within the Heart of Wisconsin 
• Students who are interested in enhancing skills of leadership.
• Students that are Sophomores.

What is the Time Commitment?
Nine full-day sessions (once a month) from September through May, from 8:15-2:30 pm (Wednesdays). Participants are expected to attend all sessions. This program will also provide participants with opportunities to interact with various community leaders.

How does a student participate in this program?
Students or parents that are interested in participating in the program can contact their School Counselor. Each participating school district chooses participants. The school districts that are in the program are Pittsville, Nekoosa, Port Edwards, and Wisconsin Rapids Public School, and Assumption Catholic School. 

Tuition Fees
Please contact your local school district for details.

Sponsorships are available for this program. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

Contact Information
Laura Bonner-Ridgway, Workforce & Community Development Director 
Email: workforce@wisconsinrapidschamber.com

C.O.O.L. TEEN LEADERSHIP SPONSORS