Wilmington Chamber Program Selected for EIA Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAssociation of Leadership Programs Honors Wilmington NC Chamber of Commerce Career and Leadership Development Academy with 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award
Providence, RI – [August 12, 2024] – The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) is proud to announce that the Wilmington NC Chamber of Commerce Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA) has been awarded the 2024 ALP Excellence in Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition was presented during the ALP National Conference, held August 5-8, 2024, in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Excellence in Innovation Award celebrates outstanding creativity, uniqueness, and impact within community leadership programs. The Career and Leadership Development Academy was selected for its groundbreaking approach to bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world career preparation, directly addressing the critical need for a skilled workforce in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area.
"We are thrilled to honor the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and its Career and Leadership Development Academy with this award," said Lura Hammond, Executive Director of the Association of Leadership Programs. "The CLDA exemplifies the kind of innovative thinking and impactful programming that drives positive change in communities. Their work not only prepares students for future success but also strengthens the bonds between education, industry, and community."
Innovation Highlights:
- Early Career Outreach: CLDA's unique focus on engaging middle school students in career and leadership development has set a new standard for early career education. By reaching students at a formative age, the program fosters a strong foundation for their future academic and professional success.
- Business Partnerships: CLDA has forged strategic partnerships with local businesses in high-growth industries, ensuring that students receive hands-on, immersive experiences that align with real-world job market demands.
- Expansion and Scalability: Responding to overwhelming demand, CLDA has expanded its reach to include all 1,740 seventh graders in the county, supported by the North Carolina state legislature. This expansion underscores the program's scalability and its potential as a model for other communities.
- Leadership and Skill Development: The academy goes beyond traditional career exploration by integrating future-ready skills such as adaptability, collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership into its curriculum, preparing students to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce.
The ALP Excellence in Innovation Award not only honors the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s achievements but also highlights the importance of creative and impactful leadership programs across the country. The Career and Leadership Development Academy serves as an inspiring model for how communities can come together to create lasting positive change.
Leadership Unlimited located in Grand Island, Nebraska was also recognized for their programming developed for New Americans with an Excellence in Innovation award alongside the Wilmington Chamber.
For more information about the ALP and its programs, please visit www.alpleaders.org
Media Contact: Sarah Alice Keiser
Director, Events & Marketing
Association of Leadership Programs
events@alpleaders.org
About the Association of Leadership Programs:
The Association of Leadership Programs serves over 280 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the well-being of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the well-being of all.
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