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Adult Program

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Each year about thirty men and women enter the ten month adult program. The men and women receive training in group process and get an in depth view of Ashtabula County's resources, history and challenges.

As they progress throught the Program they travel down paths of the past and, with an eye to the future, then visit the newest industries and educational programs.

They begin a dialogue about what might be for Ashtabula County... building on what has been, to shape and strengthen the future.

Class members and graduates accept leadership roles on community boards, commissions and task forces that are vital for Ashtabula County's economic, social and civic development.

The class year is launched with a two-day retreat in late September, followed by one Program Day each month until June. A mid-year retreat takes place in January. Graduation of the class is celebrated in June with a formal ceremony.

Class Listing by Year

Class Listing for 1989-2007
(98k Microsoft Word file) download

Tuition

$2000 is the tuition for the class year. Costs associated with the program (overnight retreat, meals, materials, supplies and bus fees) are included in the tuition. Financial assistance and payment plans may be available for successful candidates.

Overview


September 13, 2007 - ORIENTATION

September 16-18, 2007 - RETREAT, CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION

October 17, 2007 - ASHTABULA COUNTY HISTORY AND COMMUNITIES
The purpose of this program is to give the class an opportunity to:

  1. Learn the history of Ashtabula County.
  2. Expose class members to communities in the county and recognize that different leaders are needed at different times and to refrain from making judgments.
  3. Notice the evolution of leadership and its relationship to current events and issues of the day.
  4. Identify characteristics of leaders. The program is designed to give an historical perspective and "set the stage" for future programs.

October 18, 2007 - RECEPTION
Evening formal kickoff for the LEADERship year. Meet Alumni & Board & Trustees for Civic Infrastructure.

October 30, 2007 - NEO REGIONAL DAY
This is an opportunity to network with individuals from all leadership programs in northeast ohio.

November 14, 2007 - AGRICULTURE
The purpose of this program, unique to Ashtabula County, is to present to the LEADERship class the role of Agriculture in the community. Topics may include:

  1. Agriculture in general in Ashtabula County.
  2. The impact agriculture has on the economic development in Ashtabula County.
  3. The dilemma of chemicals and ground water pollution.

December 12, 2007 - BUSINESS, LABOR AND THE ECONOMY
This program is designed to give information on the economic development of the county. It is designed to be factual and to present several individual perspectives. The program format covers:

  1. Ashtabula County's growth patterns, past and present.
  2. Ashtabula County's growth potential and limitations and the rewards and costs of Ashtabula County's growth. Topics are addressed by county officials, chamber of commerce officials and others involved in the economic development process.

January 16, 2008 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
As an introduction to this program, an overview is given on the public human service agencies serving the area. Their purpose, priorities, and future direction are discussed.

During the day, resource people from various agencies in leadership positions make up panels to discuss issues affecting this important facet of community life. Questions addressed include:

  • Who are the needy?
  • How and who decides which services are needed?
  • How much accountability should there be?
  • What form?
  • What are the rights and responsibilities of children, families, and the community?
  • Who decides?
  • What are the alternatives?
  • Who pays?
Mental health, social services, public health, and aging are addressed. Prior to this meeting, participants visit various organizations and agencies which provide human services.

February 1, 2008 - MID-YEAR RETREAT
Boardsmanship Training and Skill Building.

February 22, 2008 - GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL ISSUES
The entire day is devoted to a study of local and county government. How have the different forms and levels of government helped or hindered Ashtabula County?

March 19, 2008 - PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Participants are exposed to the law enforcement process and judicial system. Topics addressed include:

  1. The prosecution of persons for crimes.
  2. The defense of persons charged with crime.
  3. Administration of justice by the court.
  4. Juvenile justice.
  5. Law enforcement policy and administration.
  6. Imprisonment and rehabilitation.
  7. Experience of inmates.
Class members may ride with police officers, observe court in session and take a tour of the county jail.

April 16, 2008 - EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
This day may begin as a joint session with the YOUth LEADERship Ashtabula County Class. The focus for this day is primary and secondary education. The topics addressed are:

  1. Sources of funding.
  2. Test score realities.
  3. Challenges facing school boards.
  4. Instructional realities and options.
  5. Staffing.
  6. Parent involvement.
School superintendents, administrators, and other leaders in school related activities will participate in this program.
May 21, 2008 - QUALITY OF LIFE IN ASHTABULA COUNTY
In presenting this program, we attempt to provide insight into these major questions:

  1. What do people look for in Ashtabula County?
  2. What makes the county a good place to live?
  3. What can we do to make it better and how is quality of life measured?
Topics addressed are:

  • The importance of good honest government. Is it representative and responsible to the people?
  • Is this quality accessible to all? and...
  • How has business and industry contributed to quality of life?
We explore what's available in the area of parks, recreation, and cultural activities.

June 6, 2008 - GRADUATION AND AWARDS CEREMONY
A day of recognition and wrap up of an enlightening year. An end of the year but a new beginning for further community involvement. This day is mandatory for graduation. Some physical initiatives add a dimension of "separation bonding." Graduation is held in the evening. Spouses are invited to dinner and graduation.