CenterPoint Energy Foundation Funds Scholarships for Nonprofit Professionals
By Arrick Garringer—
MUNCIE, IN — Shafer Leadership Academy is expanding access to its signature leadership program, Emergence: Personal Foundations of Effective Leadership, by offering scholarships to nonprofit professionals and organizations across the region.
Recognizing the critical role nonprofit leaders play in strengthening communities, Shafer Leadership Academy is committed to making high-quality leadership development more accessible to those working in mission-driven organizations.
Emergence is a five-week, highly interactive program designed to help both emerging and experienced leaders strengthen communication, build trust, navigate conflict, and lead more effectively within their organizations and communities.
Participants engage in hands-on learning experiences focused on real-world application and also receive personalized coaching to help translate learning into action.
For many nonprofit professionals, scholarship support makes participation possible.
“As a grant-funded nonprofit, our resources for professional development are limited. The scholarship made it possible for me to attend Emergence, an opportunity I might not have otherwise had.”
— Angie McKillip, Human Resources and Facilities, YWCA Central Indiana
Graduates of the program earn a digital credential and certificate recognizing their commitment to leadership development, which can be shared on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.
Past participants say the impact extends well beyond the program itself.
“The scholarship planted a seed and opened the door—not just to leadership training, but to opportunities that shaped my career and my connection to this community.”
— John W. Anderson Jr., EdD, Principal, Family Life Institute of Indiana, LLC
The Spring 2026 cohort will meet for five sessions from April 9 through May 7.
With registration closing on April 2, 2026, and limited seats available, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to register soon and apply for available scholarships. This opportunity is designed to support leaders working to strengthen their organizations and the communities they serve.
More information, including scholarship details and registration, is available at:
https://www.shaferleadership.com/emergence/
About Shafer Leadership Academy
Shafer Leadership Academy provides inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations, and communities reach their full potential. Through interactive programs and facilitation, the Academy empowers individuals to lead positive change, excel in their careers, and strengthen the communities they serve.
About the CenterPoint Energy Foundation
The CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in the communities it serves by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to improve lives today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow. Grants support eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs strengthen community vitality and expand access to education.
