Step Up Savannah, a leading nonprofit in Savannah who rethinks how our community addresses poverty and is working to strengthen positions of those who are underserved in the community, is pleased to announce its Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) is accepting applications through July 26, 2019.

NLA is a 12-week program hosted at Savannah State University (3219 College St, Savannah, GA 31404). The program aims to bring together established and emerging leaders from diverse segments of the community who wish to enhance their leadership skills (advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving) and broaden their understanding of community issues. Graduates will be prepared to reinforce Step Up’s mission to strengthen the positions of those who are underserved in the community and will also serve as resources to other community organizations.

“In order for our local government to better reflect our community we have to help grow and nurture leaders from the community,” said Jennifer Singeisen, executive director of Step Up Savannah. “This is our eleventh Neighborhood Leadership Academy and it has proven to be beneficial to both experienced leaders and those aspiring to be leaders in their neighborhoods. We accept 25 students for each class from a pool of applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Ultimately, this reflects there is a real interest in the academy and the need for these support services.”

The application requires applicants to submit the NLA application, a letter of recommendation, and complete an interview with a panel of NLA graduates and Step Up staff. The more community involvement an applicant has, the better the chances of acceptance into the program. NLA is offered at no cost, however, the classes do require time and commitment from all accepted candidates. Participants will also receive a small stipend to cover transportation and time costs.

Graduates will be prepared to strengthen the positions of those who are underserved or unrepresented in our community and are asked to serve as resources to Step Up and other community organizations. Step Up Savannah is working towards a Savannah where all people have hope and opportunity, where we challenge injustice, and where all community members Step Up to reduce poverty.