What is Leadership Portage County?
Leadership Portage County (LPC) challenges participants to broaden their understanding of Portage County and develop their leadership skills through network development, education, and community engagement.
The 10-month curriculum is an intensive leadership development program designed to give all leaders the skills, knowledge, and on-going support they need to succeed. LPC is not only for new or young professionals, but instead for leaders of all ages and titles. Participants in LPC will grow professionally and personally from the variety of leadership, team-building, communication and self-awareness exercises that are part of the curriculum.
Session Schedule
Leadership Portage County sessions are typically held Thursdays each month (*exceptions are noted below). Sessions are for the full day, beginning at 7:45 AM and concluding at 4:30 PM. Attendance and participation are expected at each session. Please review and save these dates before applying.
Class of 2023-2024 Sessions:
For more details and to apply for the class of 2023-2024 (beginning in August), CLICK HERE!
Thank you to our Program Sponsor:
Thank you to our Session Sponsors:
Program Components & Goals
Each full-day LPC session combines leadership skill development and character building with exploration of community programs and challenges. Sessions are held in varying locations providing a diverse, inside look at Portage County. As an LPC graduate you will have had opportunities to:
Program outcomes are achieved through –
Program Commitment
Participants spend approximately 150 hours on LPC related activities during this program. Attendance is expected at each of the monthly sessions. Outside of the sessions, participants are asked to participate in interim assignments, tours and community building experiences, and a group project. Options are offered to provide flexibility and choice so that participants can select the option that best fits their schedule.
Immerse yourself in all aspects of Portage County life, business, and history. Each class day is carefully crafted to create hands-on opportunities, connect you with experts, and take you behind the scenes.
Opening Retreat ∙ Day 1
Participants engage in icebreaker and team building activities as they get to know one another. Participants also go on a history tour of Portage County, giving them an opportunity to see how Portage County has evolved over time.
Agribusiness
Portage County has a strong agricultural focus. This session includes a tour of potato farm, learning about dairy operations, and how agriculture relates to tourism.
Human & Public Services
Learn about services in Portage County to help those less-fortunate. Participants hear from United Way and other non-profits about their work, learn about diversity, and spend the afternoon role-playing as a low-income family in the poverty simulation
Education & Workforce Development
Learn about how area schools and educators are preparing Portage County’s future workforce. Hear about the differences in school systems (private vs. public) and learn about the issues that matter in education.
Utilities & Environment
A unique opportunity to review two perspectives on energy – that of the public utility and that of the renewable/solar organization. Learn about each and make your own decisions. This session also covers Portage Co. groundwater and Parks and Recreation.
Closing Retreat
Time to tie it all together. 10 months of leadership development and community awareness comes down to this last session. Experience group team builders to establish lasting connections, and find satisfaction in making it to the top of the climbing wall.
Opening Retreat ∙ Day 2
The learning continues a second day! LPCers take part in an alumni favorite – the Road Rally, photo scavenger hunt across Portage County. . .
Government & Community
This session provides an opportunity to chat with local and state elected officials, learn about their work, and gain insights to the electoral process.
Legal System
Get a behind-the-scenes tour of Portage County’s justice system. This session includes a tour of the jail with lunch (same thing the inmates eat!), explanation of the circuit court system and justice programs in Portage County.
Economic Development & Infrastructure
Sewer, water, roads, waste, etc. all factor in to the infrastructure of a community. Learn about how Portage County handles these challenges and plans for future economic development. .
Health & Wellness
As leaders it is important to practice self-care. Examine the dimensions of wellness, learn about stress-reduction tactics, and try out a new routine through Tai Chi or an exercise demo. .
Graduation
Celebrate! Reflect on the whole LPC experience and join the ranks of 500 LPC alumni across the county and the nation! Congratulations leader!