New College, Career Readiness Training For Lakewood High Students

LAKEWOOD, OH - From the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce: It’s time to turn the City of Lakewood into a classroom for success. The Effective Leadership Academy (ELA), a Warrensville Heights-based non-profit organization, is partnering with the Lakewood City Schools and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce to create a unique leadership and soft skill training experience for the community’s high school students – the 2018 Lakewood Chamber Leadership Academy (LCLA). This week-long leadership program, scheduled for June 11-15, will be run similarly to ELA’s successful Chamber Leadership Academy programs in Beachwood, the Warrensville tri-city area, and Lorain County.

Each day, based on a specific industry theme, students will explore leadership in a corporate setting by visiting different businesses and organizations throughout Lakewood. At each location, students will participate in an action-based leadership curriculum to guide them through the essential skills needed to be successful in college and career settings, followed by the opportunity to interact with a panel of key executives and business leaders from the community. Government and community relations, philanthropy, health, financial wellness, science, technology, the arts and entrepreneurship are just a few of the industry themes students will be exposed to during the week.

Flo Brett, ELA Founder and Executive Director, states, “This program allows young people to not only learn valuable self-leadership skills, but also network with corporate professionals as they consider future career options. We are grateful to have so many individuals who are investing in our future leaders.”

Knowing of ELA’s success with leadership and soft skill training programs throughout northeast Ohio, Lakewood High School approached ELA for a unique program for its students. After Brett explained the Chamber Leadership Academy program and how customized it is for each community it serves, the high school jumped on board and agreed to provide complete funding for the first year.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our students' chances for success whether they choose the college path or career path after high school. This academy provides opportunities for our students that we cannot provide in the classroom. Being able to offer our students career exploration and leadership development is key to our mission as educators.,” said Principal Keith Ahearn.

There is also a competitive process aspect to the program. Interested Lakewood High School students will need to apply for the LCLA program by April 11. Only 50 Lakewood High School students will be accepted to participate and will be notified in May.

All of ELA’s Chamber Leadership Academy programs are also a direct partnership with the respective community’s Chamber of Commerce. ELA was delighted to find that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce also recognized the importance of such a program for Lakewood teens.

“The Chamber Leadership Academy offers Lakewood students the opportunity to learn important soft-skills that aren’t often taught in a traditional classroom. Through the program, they interact with today’s community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and professionals to gain insight into the qualities that lead to success,” said Patty Ryan, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “By using the city as a classroom, the Chamber Leadership Academy provides an opportunity for Lakewood’s current leaders to share what they’ve learned about success with Lakewood’s future leaders. We’re passing the baton to the next generation.”

Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers, Melt Bar & Grilled Owner Matt Fish, CEO & President of North Coast Health Gina Gavlak, and Beck Center for the Arts Director of Education Edward Gallagher are a few names of speakers already confirmed to be on panels for the program. Locations the students will visit during the week include Lakewood City Hall, Lakewood Public Library, Onix Networking, Cleveland Clinic – Lakewood and Virginia Marti College of Art & Design.

Students that participate will also learn about internship and shadowing opportunities from all speakers and locations involved in the program. Combined with ELA’s leadership training and the chance to network with top influencers in the county, the LCLA program gives high schoolers the chance to stand out when making college plans and career choices.

MORE ABOUT EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
ELA is a youth leadership and personal growth organization that helps young people turn potential into performance by developing their most valuable assets - themselves. ELA promotes positive leadership by teaching students to think outside the box, have an open mind, and embrace change. ELA will also work with students on professional skills, such as making a good first impression, communicating effectively, learning how to network, along with other essential 21st Century leadership skills. effectivela.org

MORE ABOUT LAKEWOOD CITY SCHOOLS

Mission Statement: In partnership with our families and community, Lakewood City Schools will develop responsible citizens, who are critical and creative thinkers, committed to life-long learning, invested in a diverse society, and prepared for technological and global opportunities. lakewoodcityschools.org

MORE ABOUT LAKEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial and professional interests of the community of Lakewood. The Chamber provides educational opportunities & networking events, works for business-friendly legislation, promotes business in the community, and offers many cost-saving benefits to our member businesses. lakewoodchamber.org