By Krista Flynn—
MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Action Plan (MAP), in partnership with Shafer Leadership Academy, Ball State University Bowen Center for Public Affairs, 8twelve Coalition, and Ball State University Office of Community Engagement, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy to launch the innovative CenterPoint Scholars Program. This collaborative initiative aims to empower neighborhood leaders and foster positive change within Muncie’s vibrant communities.
CenterPoint Scholars is a year-long leadership academy designed to cultivate a cohort of dedicated resident leaders who are passionate about enhancing the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The program will follow a structured curriculum that encompasses listening, doing, implementing, and celebrating the progress made. By the end of 2024, the CenterPoint Scholars Program will have trained ten neighborhood leaders, equipping them with essential skills for advocacy, resident engagement, and project management.
The inaugural CenterPoint Scholars Program will begin in January 2024 with an online application process open to all interested participants. Prospective scholars are encouraged to watch for application details via social media and MAP’s newsletter.
The highlight of the program’s kickoff will be a retreat scheduled for April 2024, bringing together the first cohort of ten scholars. During the retreat, participants will engage in immersive learning experiences, networking opportunities, and skill-building activities to prepare them for leadership roles in their respective neighborhoods.
One of the most exciting aspects of the CenterPoint Scholars Program is its potential for lasting impact. The program intends to create a systematic training approach that can be replicated in the future, building a continuous pipeline of future neighborhood leaders who are equipped to advocate for change and inspire community growth. Also, by fostering connections between leaders from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods, CenterPoint Scholars aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices and the amplification of community-driven advocacy efforts on a broader scale.
MAP and its partners express their profound gratitude to CenterPoint Energy for its generous support, which will enable the realization of this visionary initiative. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment to building stronger, more engaged communities where residents play an active role in shaping their future.
