Applications Open for 2025 Neighborhood Leadership Academy

Missouri residents with a passion for improving their communities are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA)—a powerful 10-week training program designed to equip neighborhood champions with skills in project planning, community-building, and personal leadership.

The fall 2025 session runs from September 10 to November 19, with weekly classes held virtually via Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Participants will gain knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference in their neighborhoods through hands-on learning and community-based projects.

The program is ideal for:

  • Neighborhood association members

  • Resident volunteers and community leaders

  • Staff from community-based organizations

  • Local government employees and municipal officials

  • Business owners looking to get more involved

During the course, participants design and implement a real-world project to improve their community. Past projects include launching a neighborhood association, starting a community garden, enhancing park spaces, and organizing youth enrichment programs.

COLLEGE CREDIT

Graduates of NLA can receive three credit hours from Drury University in Springfield. Drury Go is the evening and online division of Drury. NLA fulfills the LDST 101 Introduction to Leadership -- a class that can be applied toward any Drury Go degree program and is a specific requirement for an associates or bachelors degree in Organizational Leadership.

ENROLLMENT DETAILS

The registration fee is $405, and participants must register by August 22.

Full and partial scholarships were available, but the scholarship application deadline set was July 25. The scholarship application is done via a Google document available here.

“NLA gave me the confidence I needed to begin leading a local organization,” said Rachel Brown, a 2021 NLA graduate from Grant City. “Before this program, I didn’t think I was a person who could make an impact in my community, but what I learned during my time with NLA showed me anyone can work toward improving their neighborhoods.”

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just getting started, NLA is a transformative experience that builds stronger neighborhoods across Missouri.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your community.

For more information, to register, or to apply for a scholarship, contact Elizabeth Anderson at 573-920-0607 or find NLA online.

Community organizations are also invited to sponsor a participant to support leadership development in their area.

Grow your impact. 

Strengthen your neighborhood. 

Join the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.


Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or visit his website at http://engagedneighbor.com.


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