Elevate Grand Island Awarded Excellence in Innovation Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAssociation of Leadership Programs Recognizes Elevate Grand Island with 2024 Excellence in Innovation Award
DENTON, Texas – [August 19] – The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP) is pleased to announce that Elevate Grand Island, a groundbreaking initiative of Leadership Unlimited in collaboration with several local nonprofits, has been awarded the 2024 ALP Excellence in Innovation Award. The award was presented at the ALP National Conference, held August 5-8, 2024, in Providence, Rhode Island.
The Excellence in Innovation Award acknowledges programs that demonstrate creativity, uniqueness, and significant impact within community leadership development. Elevate Grand Island was selected for its innovative approach to addressing the specific needs of the immigrant community in Grand Island, Nebraska, empowering New Americans to take on leadership roles and influence local services.
"Elevate Grand Island exemplifies what it means to innovate with purpose," said Lura Hammond, Executive Director of ALP. "By creating a program tailored to the immigrant experience, they have not only filled a crucial gap in their community but also set a powerful example for other organizations looking to build inclusive leadership."
Innovation Highlights:
Collaborative Development: Elevate Grand Island was born out of a collaboration between the Multicultural Coalition, Adult Education of Central Community College, Heartland United Way, and Leadership Unlimited. Together, they identified the need for leadership development opportunities tailored to immigrants, leading to the creation of a program that resonates deeply with the community.
Unique Curriculum: The program offers a 7-week hands-on learning experience that introduces participants to various aspects of Grand Island, including city, nonprofit, business, and county services. This curriculum is specifically designed to help New Americans build the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate, navigate, and influence local services, fostering a stronger sense of community and belonging.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: To ensure participation from all segments of the immigrant community, Elevate Grand Island provides essential support services such as childcare, transportation assistance, stipends, and scholarships for future leadership development opportunities. These measures help eliminate barriers and make the program accessible to everyone.
Impact on Community Leadership: As of 2019, 16% of Grand Island's population was born outside of the United States, yet immigrant representation in leadership roles remained limited. Elevate Grand Island is changing that narrative by empowering immigrants to step into leadership roles and engage more fully in their community. The program has already led to increased participation in local leadership and a more connected, supportive community.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor," said Joseline Reyna, Community Engagement Coordinator for Leadership Unlimited. "Elevate Grand Island is more than just a program; it's a movement toward a more inclusive and representative community. We're proud to see the positive changes this initiative has sparked, and we look forward to continuing this important work."
Impact on Leadership Unlimited: The success of Elevate Grand Island has had a transformative impact on Leadership Unlimited itself. Following an equity audit in 2021, the organization recognized the need to better serve people of color within its flagship program. Elevate Grand Island has not only met the needs of the immigrant community but has also informed broader inclusivity efforts within Leadership Unlimited, leading to an increase in applicants of color for its flagship program.
The ALP Excellence in Innovation Award serves as a recognition of Elevate Grand Island’s significant contributions to leadership development and community engagement. The program’s success story will be shared at the conference, offering valuable insights for other organizations seeking to build more inclusive leadership pipelines.
For more information about 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 Elevate Grand Island & Leadership Unlimited
Elevate Grand Island is a nonprofit initiative focused on providing leadership development opportunities tailored to the immigrant experience in Grand Island, Nebraska. Through collaboration with local organizations, the program aims to build a more inclusive, connected, and representative community.
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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