In 2017, Microsoft is once again honored to be partner with the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy (CLA). This is our third year supporting the CLA program and each year, we see an increase in the depth and maturing of the program curriculum, as well as the caliber of the cohort participants. For those of you who may not be aware, the Office of Civic Engagement launched the Civic Leadership Academy in 2014, in partnership with the University’s five professional schools – Chicago Booth School of Business, Harris Public Policy, Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, the UChicago Law School, and School of Social Service Administration – and Institute of Politics, as well as Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) Chicago, Civic Consulting Alliance, the City of Chicago, and Cook County.
On Jan. 12, the 30 fellows began a rigorous six-month program that will teach essential leadership skills and provide the time and space to collaborate on a capstone project that addresses a practical challenge facing each fellow’s organization. In March, the fellows will travel to the University of Chicago Center in Delhi, India, for a weeklong global practicum. Upon completion of the program, they will receive a certificate in civic leadership from Harris.
This is the first in a series which will focus on the CLA, and how it lays the foundation for leadership and communication across Chicago and Cook County with civic, public sector and nonprofits leaders. I am privileged to be working with William Howell, faculty advisor for the Civic Leadership Academy, and the Office of Civic Engagement staff on a program for the cohort on February 10, which will focus on leadership and civic tech, as well as to be accompanying the cohort to India for their global practicum in March.
Please see below social media from the January 11, 2017 Welcome Reception for the 2017 Civic Leadership Academy participants.
