|
Program Purpose
Leadership Aiken County is a comprehensive program designed to identify, develop, and motivate new leadership for the Aiken County community. Program objectives are accomplished through a competitive selection process, intensive team-building activities, and exposure to local issues, regional resources and various County leaders. Participants learn more about the critical issues of the community than many lifelong residents.
Leadership graduates join a growing network of program alumni who have the knowledge and the opportunity to become valued participants in the community and in the governmental activities that will determine the future of Aiken County.
Program Format
Beginning with a mandatory three-day overnight retreat at Camp Gravatt (September 30 – October 2, 2007), the class develops an esprit-de-corps which will provide a common ground for working together on present and future community needs. They also take an active role in developing the program of activities for the months to follow, including five mandatory assignments, class project and committee participation.
For nine months, the group meets for day-long (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) sessions each month to explore issues, problems, and opportunities facing Aiken County today and in the future.
2007-2008 Monthly Session Schedule:
October 16 History/Horse Industry
November 13 Cultural Awareness/Diversity
December 11 Human Services
January 15 Economic Development/Industry
February 19 Health Care
March 18 Government
April 22 Education
May 20 Law Enforcement
June 17 Sustaining Quality of Life
NOTE: Given the importance of attendance,
a strict policy will be adhered to for the
monthly sessions. ADDITIONALLY, attendance at the
ENTIRE retreat is REQUIRED!
Participant Selection
Applicants are usually sponsored by current leaders in business, industry, the professions, or government; self-employed individuals are also encouraged to apply. Candidates should be residents of Aiken County and/or employed in Aiken County, possess an interest in the community and possess a desire to use the knowledge gained from this program to improve Aiken County. The class size is limited, and notice of acceptance will be mailed in late August, 2007.
Program Cost
Tuition for Leadership Aiken County is $500. Tuition covers lodging and meals at the retreat, meals for monthly meetings, training materials, some travel expenses, awards, and all administrative costs associated with the program. Limited scholarships (up to 50% of the tuition) are available. Individuals desiring scholarship assistance should submit a letter stating the reasons for scholarship consideration with the application.
Program Sponsorship
Leadership Aiken County is an independent South Carolina Nonprofit corporation receiving program sponsorship and coordination from the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, and the Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce through representation on the Leadership Aiken County Board of Directors. The Board has direct responsibility for organizing and running the program. The Leadership Aiken County program draws on volunteers from the community for its development and is coordinated each year by a volunteer selected from past participants.
|
|
