Rob Bates, a graduate of the 2024 Leadership Institute, said the program had helped him develop his communication skills. During the course, he worked on a project to expand resources to veterans in Washington. Each participant in the course must find a problem in their community and a solution they could work towards during the course.
May 30, 2025
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Applications open for Grant Co. leadership program
EPHRATA — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington is now accepting applications for its upcoming Leadership Institute of NCW program, set to take place in Grant County. This initiative aims to empower residents by equipping them with essential civic skills and leadership knowledge, ultimately fostering stronger communities across the region, according to Leadership Institute of NCW Site Coordinator Summer Hess. “Our goal is to educate and empower community members for civic leadership roles,” said Hess. “We believe that strong leaders are fundamental to creating strong communities. This program aims to provide citizens with tools to be strong leaders and work alongside governmental officials to solve problems, some people have even joined different governmental agencies after the course including city council and school boards.” The Leadership Institute of NCW is a free, bilingual training program designed to guide participants through an extensive 20-session curriculum focused on personal and civic leadership. The program is rooted in the nationally recognized Parent Leadership Training Institute framework, which is renowned for its effectiveness in engaging community members to enhance child and family outcomes, according to Hess.