Leadership Lackawanna identifies leaders in the Greater Scranton area and provides them the tools and initiative to succeed. The program was established in 1982 under the sponsorship of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and, to date, has graduated more than 900 community leaders.
Leadership Lackawanna draws participants from various geographic, racial, ethnic, occupational and economic segments of the community and introduces them to the major issues and challenges facing Lackawanna County.
The 10-month program runs from September through June. Sessions held on the second Thursday of each month focusing on topics such as media, crime/corrections, economic development, community and downtown development, health care, education, quality of life, government, and labor/management relations. Experts from various disciplines facilitate the seminars.
Sherry S. Strain PhD
Professor of Communications/Chair, Division of Communications Arts and Humanities, Keystone College
In addition to the monthly sessions, participants participate in group projects to enhance their leadership skills and foster teamwork. All of the projects have had an impact on the community and several have continued on through the work of the respective groups or specific agencies, such as the Board Bank, Real Life 101 and Aim High.
Equipped with the information and skills to make an impact in the community, participants volunteer their time and talents to assist established civic leaders in charting the future of growth and direction of Lackawanna County and its various organizations.
The selection process for interested Leadership Lackawanna candidates starts with a confidential, five-page application reviewed by a selection committee on the basis of demonstrated or potential leadership ability, interest in community affairs, and a desire for an increased commitment to community and professional service. Class size is limited. A candidate must either live in or work in Lackawanna County.
Within Leadership Lackawanna there are other initiatives that are worth noting: the Executive Program developed for professionals and their spouses who recently moved to the area or were recently promoted to an executive level position and the Alumni Committee comprised of more than 900 Leadership Lackawanna alumni who assist and promote the Leadership Lackawanna program and provide continuing opportunities for alumni.
Leadership Lackawanna presents the Leader of the Year Award annually to a graduate of the program who best embodies the philosophy of Leadership Lackawanna. The award recognizes graduates who have used the Leadership Lackawanna experience for the betterment of the community. The Leader of the Year exemplifies the lasting impact of the Leadership Lackawanna program.
The tuition for the Leadership Lackawanna program is $950. Full and partial scholarships are available on a limited basis to qualified candidates.
Also, optional graduate credit programs are available to Leadership Lackawanna participants in cooperation with Marywood University and Keystone College. At Marywood, eligible individuals can earn three graduate credits in public administration; and at Keystone, eligible individuals can earn three upper level undergraduate credits in BUSN 315: Workplace Environments.
