MSU Extension Great Lakes Leadership Academy

The Emerging Leader Program is delivered over a six-month period, with three, three-day sessions.  Focus is on developing individual and organizational leadership skills and applying those skills in a collaborative fashion. The program provides both classroom-based and experiential learning and is an outgrowth of the Natural Resource Leadership Project that has been conducted by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 2002.

ELP is designed to provide an understanding of individual and organizational behavior and development and teach advanced communication and conflict management techniques. The program equips participants to assess and measure personal and professional growth and to achieve advanced emotional health in their leadership. Participants will have an opportunity to evaluate current leadership skills, greatly improve on them, and track development over time.

Participants spend 9 days together in an environment where they will practice what they learn as a group, interacting and focusing on common as well as individual goals. Participants will also be expected to apply skills learned in the classroom by collaborating on team projects which will require them to network over distance, share ideas, problem-solve, and hold each other accountable.

 "The Emerging Leaders Program challenged my understanding of leadership—what it looks like and how to develop it. Taking this much time in your adult life to focus on becoming more self-aware, emotionally mature and a more effective communicator stands to benefit participants both personally and professionally. It was an opportunity for which I am very grateful."  

The Emerging Leader Program offers:

• Collaborative real-world team projects outside of the classroom
• Practical leadership and decision-making tools that will help you become a more successful leader
• Tools for leading across differences and bringing emotional wellness to your leadership role
• A network of leaders to share ideas and create innovative solutions
• A mentor relationship with GLLA alumni that will cultivate professional growth
• Ongoing networking, training, and support from GLLA alumni

On-going Support

Emerging Leader Program participants will be given the opportunity to learn how to cultivate mentoring relationships. A mentor selected from program alumni will motivate and inspire leadership growth opportunities, and model the development of long-term, powerful relationships with professionals who may strongly influence your leadership skills and your life.