By Heather Williams—
MUNCIE, IN—Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods.
The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort of Scholars was officially introduced at the March 2025 IDEA Conference. In April, the Scholars participated in a weekend retreat at highlighted locations in Muncie to kick off the program. This retreat laid the groundwork for a year of learning, connection, and community impact.
We are excited to welcome our second cohort of CenterPoint Scholars:
- Jasmin Taylor (BSU)
- Rachael Robertson (McKinley Neighborhood)
- Sam Atlas McCollum (Old West End)
- Joseph Scholl III (Thomas Park Avondale)
- Kiwani Pine (Riverside Normal City)
- Eliana Heimlich (Thomas Park Avondale)
- Isabel Heimlich (Thomas Park Avondale)
This class of CenterPoint Scholars is exploring topics like project management, conflict resolution, and trust building, all while working on neighborhood-based projects designed to create lasting, positive change. They are joining our Neighborhood Leadership Council in monthly trainings from March 2025 through March 2026, and their efforts will culminate in a final presentation led by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference. MAP is proud to support these emerging leaders and excited to see the impact of their work across our community.
For more information about the CenterPoint Scholars Program, visit muncieneighborhoods.org/centerpoint-scholars.
