LOOGOOTEE — Local professional and community development is getting a major boost as registration officially opens for the third consecutive year of the Legacy Martin County Leadership Program.
The adult leadership initiative is explicitly designed to identify, educate, and inspire both current and emerging leaders across Martin County. Presented by the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, the program serves as a networking and education hub to help civic-minded residents play an active role in shaping the region’s future.
The program stands out for its unique blend of grassroots community networking and high-level academic instruction. To build the curriculum, the Martin County Alliance has partnered with specialized professors from both Indiana University and Ball State University.
Throughout the course, participants will engage directly with local business owners, regional organizations, and government officials. The comprehensive curriculum spans several core pillars of community advancement:
- Economic Development: Understanding local growth drivers and industry attraction.
- Local Government: Navigating municipal structures and public policy.
- Civic Leadership: Mastering team dynamics and strategic decision-making.
- Effective Communication: Learning how to pitch ideas and advocate for community needs.
The upcoming cohort will begin its monthly sessions this fall, running consecutively through the spring of 2027. Because the program prioritizes hands-on workshops and intimate networking opportunities, total space for the incoming class is strictly limited.
The enrollment fee for the multi-month program is $350, covering all educational materials and session costs. The final deadline to submit an application is August 11, 2026.
Prospective applicants can access the digital portal and submit their applications online directly via the SIDC Formstack Application Page.
