Page 15 - Progress Report 2012 2013_FINAL

emerging leader programming | 15

The Generation Next Nonproft Leadership Academy (GenNext), launched in 2008 with support fromAmerican Express, encourages the professional development of emerging leaders from a variety of nonproft organizations and professional roles. GenNext provides professionals seeking advancement to senior leadership levels with a unique approach to gaining new skills and fresh perspectives. This program was designed to target individuals with potential to be the next great leaders for the sector and equip themwith the leadership skills and management tools to take on advanced roles. We are also grateful to Salt River Project for their continued support.

The class curriculum consists of nine program days that focus on a variety of topics, including how to chart a leadership path, resource development, nonproft communications, advocacy and public policy, and more. Participants also create group projects that serve to build their skills by producing a legacy project for other nonprofts. The programblends theoretical andpractical knowledge, but because it is a cohort program, it also provides meaningful opportunities to build an extensive network of contacts to support

the participants throughout their careers. The classes have drawn executives from around the state of Arizona representing a broad array of nonproft leaders from foundations, trade associations and a variety of other nonprofts.

In 2011 – 2012, the Center proudly presented 22 graduates (Class IV) with certifcates of completion. GenNext Class V has been running during the 2012-2013 program year with 29 members in the cohort. Class V marks an important tipping point for the Generation Next Leadership Academy as there were a record number of applicants, representing a wide variety of nonproft organizations, community development corporations, foundations and associations. As the largest and most organizationally diverse cohort yet, Class V represents both small and large organizations andwill be themost geographically diverse class since the inception of the program, with class members from Tucson, Safford, Tuba City and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Additionally, this class contains an alumna of the ASU Lodestar Center’s Nonproft Leadership Alliance Student Association, as well as an alumna of the ASU Lodestar Center’s Public Allies Arizona program.

[8 lodestar.asu.edu/gennext ]

Generation Next Nonproft Leadership Academy