What’s New in The Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Programming

This fall at the Chamber Foundation, the leadership programs Youth Leadership and Leadership Dutchess are off to a great start. I have several updates to share and many ways you can get involved:  
Youth Leadership programming began in September. For some background, Youth Leadership is an innovative leadership development program designed to develop area youth's academic, social, and life skills. Students will have opportunities for substantive interaction with their peers, community-based service organizations, institutions of higher education, and professionals from local industries. Since September, all students have received workshops in community engagement and public speaking. The Track 1 students (10th graders and returning 12^th graders) are building a student-based company from the ground up, including designing the marketing concept for their company, selecting possible products to sell, and beginning to sell stock in the company. In the process, the students develop skills in teamwork, public speaking, and self-discovery as leaders. Consider supporting this student-based company at the Chamber’s November Business After Hours, where the students will sell stock for $12 each. Also, stay tuned for the Chamber’s spring Business After Hours events, when the Youth Leadership students will sell personalized products as part of their company project. Proceeds from these sales benefit scholarships and programming at The Chamber Foundation. 

The Track 2 students (11^th grade) have begun learning to create resumes and cover letters in preparation for Interview Night on January 10. At this event, students will undergo mock interviews with local professionals in the Chamber’s network and receive feedback on their interview skills. The Track 2 students are also getting ready to embark on their 20-hour internships, which they will complete at a local company that speaks to their career goals. If you would like to volunteer as a mock interviewer on January 10 or host a student at your business, please reach out to me by December 1, 2022. 
The Leadership Dutchess program has 32 fantastic individuals in its ranks for 2023. Leadership Dutchess is the signature program of The Chamber Foundation, Inc., and is dedicated to educating citizens to serve in leadership roles within our community. This program fosters the development of a group of professionals who grow and learn together over a nine-month period. The class had its kickoff session on October 13 at Mariapolis Luminosa, focusing on Leadership in Action and Teambuilding. In early November, the class will undergo a 2-day retreat where they will learn about Project Management, Managing for Success, and begin working on their class fundraising project. 

The Foundation’s third leadership program, Executive Leadership, begins in January 2023. We are taking applications for the class of 2023 now, due December 1. The Executive Leadership Program is designed for mid-to senior-level managers, nonprofit administrators, and entrepreneurs seeking advanced leadership and communications skills to move their careers and organizations forward. Executive directors, sole proprietors, and high-potential career managers who are being developed for senior roles will find value in this program. To apply for this program, visit https://www.chamberfdn.org/leadership-programs/executive-leadership-program/. 
 
To learn more about how you can get involved with Youth Leadership, Leadership Dutchess, or Executive Leadership, please reach out to me at laura@chamberfdn.org.