Academy Class
During this nine month program, students explore their strengths, learn about the local community and coordinate monthly program days where they get to see firsthand how leaders work together to structure and influence the community around them. Students will gain project management skills, leadership aptitude and a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into making our community function.
The Opportunity
Our future community leaders want to make an impact where they live, work and play.
The Solution
The Leadership Springfield Academy Class is a community leadership program established in 1990 to help youth discover how to be more engaged citizens and develop as community leaders. This program is open to area high school students in their Junior and Senior years.
Students interested in applying must:
Be a sophomore or junior attending any Springfield, Nixa, Republic, Willard, Strafford, Rogersville, Ozark public or private school, or home school
Be interested in becoming a leader or furthering their knowledge about leadership
Have a recommendation form completed
by a high school guidance counselor, faculty member, community leader, or Leadership Springfield alum
Interested in applying?
Applications for the 2025-2026 program year will open on Monday, February 3, 2025. If you would like to be notified when applications open for the 2025-2026 program year, please contact us at [email protected].
The program goals of the academy are:
To provide exposure to community structure and issues
To provide interaction between developing leaders and the established leaders of today
To develop personal skills needed for future roles as leaders
To emphasize the importance of community service
To harness the enthusiasm of youth to help solve local problems
