The Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy is look for participants for its spring session starting April 10.

The City of Michigan City and the Economic Development Corp. Michigan City partner to present the program. The academy aims to help individuals take leadership roles in their neighborhoods and build collaboration with neighbors to foster change. Participants learn about the city, its departments, processes and resources.

The program includes eight sessions. Sessions take place 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from April 10 through May 29. Dinner is included. In lieu of the May 1 session, a Cornerstone Class session will take place 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 3.

“At the end of 2024, we celebrated our first Leadership Academy graduation since Covid,” said Clarence Hulse, EDCMC executive director, in a press release. “The participants shared their talents and insight to develop plans for change in their own neighborhoods.”

Erin Meisner, EDCMC community development manager, will help facilitate the sessions. Attendees will hear from speakers and take part in activities and discussions. During the last class, participants present their final projects before graduating.

“I was heartened by the differences and needs represented by each project for the individual neighborhoods,” Meisner said. “The different ideas were brought together in solid plans.”

Applications are now being accepted for Michigan City residents ages 18 and over who reside within the city limits. The submission deadline is March 28. Learn more here.

The Economic Development Corp. Michigan City works to grow and attract new industry and business to the community as well as strengthening existing business.