Youth LDA

Empower The Leader In You!

The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) is looking to empower more leaders across Rock County. This means we’re looking for the next wave of our program participants for the upcoming class of 2023-24.

A Message from the Executive Director

Greetings,

The Leadership Development Academy program consists of one full-day session per month for nine months of leadership training. The program also offers repeated networking opportunities with fellow program participants and more than 50 community leaders. It wraps up with a final team project that makes a lasting, positive impact on the community.

This marks our second year offering Youth LDA program, which allows up to five (5) local high school seniors to take the LDA journey alongside our adult participants.

The leaders that emerge from the LDA experience are fundamentally changed and deeply connected to our community. If you have been touched by the LDA, you know how profound this experience can be. To learn more about LDA and what our program is all about, visit our blog.

Application submissions for youth is available April 1-June 1. Application submissions for adults is April 1-June 1.

Thank you in advance for your consideration to apply for the program or recommend someone. LDA’s mission is to inspire leaders to build and strengthen our community. LDA’s vision is to be a premier leadership organization that will empower leaders to create a better place to live. I look forward to strengthening Rock County with you.

Warmest regards,

Jamie Karns
Executive Director

Are you an adult looking to apply to LDA? Click here!

Applying to Y-LDA

All interested high school youth must complete all steps of our application process:

Meet Requirements
Fill out Application and Submit Parent and/or Guardian Consent and Letter of Recommendation
Program Acceptance
Background Check
Parent and/or Guardian/School/Mentor Orientation
Program Start

Student Participation & Eligibility Requirements

Students must be entering their senior year of High School, as identified and/or recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction or an accredited education organization.
Students must be self-motivated, mature, responsible, and have good attendance.
Students must have parental and/or legal guardian consent as well as school approval, and be able to document this on Orientation Day.
Students must have reliable transportation, ensuring full access and participation as it relates to every program obligation, including full session days and project team meetings.
Students must apply online and submit a completed application (e.g. including one Letter of Reference from an existing district staff or faculty member and parental approval) no later than June 1, 2023.

Letter of Reference

Students who meet the above requirements may apply to the program prior to obtaining a Letter of Reference from an existing district staff or faculty member. Students who submit the application without including a letter must email their Letter of Reference to [email protected] by June 1, 2023.

Curriculum overview

Leadership Development Academy participants experience formal leadership training, extensive Real Colors development, stress management, self-awareness as a leader, enhanced networking, expanded community exposure and involvement, and team building with a final team project.

Topics covered during sessions:

Active Shooter Training
Civic Responsibilities
Community Awareness
Crisis Communication
Diversity Awareness
Economic Development
Fundraising
Image & Volunteerism
Introduction to Marketing & Branding
Networking Skills
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Project Management
Public Sector Leadership
Public Speaking
Real Colors Leadership Development
Time Management

Important dates & info

Sessions are a full day, once a month, for nine (9) months. The first week in September requires two days; one for orientation and one for a ropes course retreat.

Program history

Online application

Questions about this application? Click to contact Executive Director Jamie Karns.

Note to applicants: This form must be completed all at once; there is no option to save and continue later. Please allow at least 60 minutes in order to complete the application in its entirety.

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 10

Part One: Applicant Information

Full Name*

First Last

Home Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

School email address*

Please enter your school-related email address.

Enter Email Confirm Email

Personal email address*

Please enter your personal email address.

Enter Email Confirm Email

Your Cell Phone*

Number of years you have lived in Rock County:*

Adult t-shirt size:*

Part Seven: Participation Agreement

In submitting this application, I agree that if selected as a LDA participant, I will:

Attend all sessions. (The sessions are typically the second Friday of every month from 8:30AM-4:30PM, however, the LDA reserves the right to change the class session dates based on venue, speakers, etc.)
Attend the MANDATORY leadership retreat at George Williams College/Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership School (OWLS) in Williams Bay, WI. (Complete details will be provided upon selection.)
Participate in all projects and project activities.
Complete all assignments.
Be an active, positive, contributing member of the class. Participants are expected to consistently work in a collaborative manner and demonstrate willingness to work effectively with diverse personalities.
Have access to a computer with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Internet access, and a personal email account.
Be able to cover personal travel and meal costs not included in the program.
Be available for a personal interview.
- During the application review process, you will be contacted for a personal interview. This brief 10-15 minute personal interview will be used in the selection process.
Be actively involved in the community after completing the LDA.
I understand that if I am accepted into the LDA program I will be subject to a background check.

The LDA Selection & Recruitment Committee will review all applications and notify participants by June 30, 2023.

Session Dates may change due to weather, holidays, and location availability. Participants will be given ample notice of any schedule changes.

Parental Approval*

This application cannot be submitted without parental approval. Please ensure you have talked to your parents and received their permission to participate in the LDA program.

Yes, my parents have approved me to submit this application to LDA

Your Signature*

In submitting this application, I agree to the terms stated in “Part Seven: Participation Agreement” of this application. If I cannot meet the above criteria, I understand that the LDA Board of Directors may evaluate and choose to terminate my participation.

Date Signed*

Please enter today's date.

Youth LDA

Empower The Leader In You!

The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) is looking to empower more leaders across Rock County. This means we’re looking for the next wave of our program participants for the upcoming class of 2023-24.

A Message from the Executive Director

Applying to Y-LDA

Student Participation & Eligibility Requirements

Letter of Reference

Curriculum overview

Leadership Development Academy participants experience formal leadership training, extensive Real Colors development, stress management, self-awareness as a leader, enhanced networking, expanded community exposure and involvement, and team building with a final team project.

Topics covered during sessions:

Important dates & info

Sessions are a full day, once a month, for nine (9) months. The first week in September requires two days; one for orientation and one for a ropes course retreat.

Program history

Online application

Questions about this application? Click to contact Executive Director Jamie Karns.

Part One: Applicant Information

Part Two: Emergency Contact Information

Part Three: School Information

Part Four: Contacts

Part Five: Community Involvement

Part Six: Why Be A Leader?

Part Seven: Participation Agreement

Release Authorization Form

Letter of Reference

Conclusion

Empower the leader in you!

Be a part of the next Leadership Development Academy class!