PROGRAM DETAILS
EMBARK UPON YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
Leadership Allegany is a joint initiative of Houghton University, the Cuba Chamber of Commerce, and Alfred State College. The program provides a dynamic learning environment where adult professionals who live, work, or have a vested interest in Allegany County grow their leadership abilities, create connections, and impact their communities.
Join a community
Participants meet two Thursday mornings a month for ten months. This schedules also includes a full-day opening retreat in April, a full day Leadership Summit in August, and an evening graduation in late January or early February. Generally, about 16 individuals are selected annually from a cross-section of the community including education, non-profits, businesses, public agencies, and civic organizations.
Explore your backyard
Industry days provide participants with an in-depth, insider’s view of Allegany County industries through the professionals who lead them – including government, the judicial system, manufacturing, agriculture, recreation, and more. They engage in site tours, hear from speakers, and enjoy panel discussions.
Discover your leadership style
Curriculum sessions challenge participants to dig deep into their leadership values using the Social Model for Leadership, developed by the Higher Education Research Institute of UCLA. The model promotes two key concepts: leadership for the purpose of positive change and leadership as a process.
Engage with a team
Participants work in small groups throughout the year to plan an industry day and conduct a community service project that supports individuals or service organizations in the county. Participants also write a personal leadership development plan, mapping out goals and action steps both personally and professionally.
Play to your strengths
Participants take a CliftonStrengths online talent assessment and begin to gain a thorough understanding of their personal leadership abilities. They consider how their beliefs, attitudes, values and emotions motivate them and guide their actions. We strive to help students become self-aware and pro-active in terms of their leadership commitment.
Invest in your future
At the conclusion of the year, students are honored at a community event and graduation ceremony. As alumni of Leadership Allegany, our graduates have many opportunities to become engaged in and volunteer for the program.