STC Launches Third Community Leadership Program: “Community Academy” Begins October 2025

Schoolcraft County — Schoolcraft Tourism and Commerce (STC) is proud to

announce the launch of its third community-centered leadership education

program: Community Academy, beginning in October 2025.

Building on the success of its previous initiatives, STC continues its commitment

to civic education and engagement. In 2023, STC introduced its first program,

Excellence in Governance, facilitated by Michigan State University Extension

(MSUE), which provided foundational training for nonprofit board service. The

following year, STC offered I Do Solemnly Swear, also in partnership with MSUE,

to educate and support local elected and appointed officials from township, city,

and county governments.

Now, STC is expanding its educational efforts with Community Academy—a six-

month program designed for individuals eager to serve on governmental boards,

commissions, councils, or local nonprofit boards but who may not know how to get

involved. Patterned after successful programs in other Michigan counties, such as

Marquette’s Citizens Academy and East Lansing’s Emerging Leaders, Community

Academy offers structured guidance, real-world exposure, and mentorship for

aspiring civic leaders.

The program will run from October 2025 through March 2026 and will consist of

six monthly, two-hour sessions. Each session will feature guest speakers who have

served in public office or nonprofit leadership, along with experts in governance

and local government operations. Sessions will take place in the hospitality room at

First Baptist Church.

The Community Academy is limited to only 15 participants to ensure a focused and

interactive learning environment. Those selected must commit to the full program,

including classroom sessions, field visits to government offices, attendance at

board and committee meetings, and hands-on assignments. Participants must also

agree to abide by the program’s Rules of Conduct, modeled after the expectations

of any board member, committee person, or officeholder.

“We anticipate participation from local high school students, newer residents, and

longtime community members who have always wanted to serve but weren’t sure

where to begin,” said Victoria George, STC Director. “This is about empowering

people to get involved and help shape the future of our community. It’s an exciting

opportunity to collaborate in support of our future leaders. Local governmental

agencies and nonprofits looking to fill vacant positions will benefit from this

ready-to-serve pipeline of candidates.”

To ensure the program is accessible to all, STC is taking deliberate steps to

eliminate common barriers that might prevent participation. Free childcare will be

provided during each session by teen volunteers from school service groups, giving

parents peace of mind and flexibility to fully engage. In addition, STC will offer

complimentary public transportation to and from the venue, making it easier for

those without reliable transportation to attend. These supports are part of STC’s

broader commitment to inclusivity and to ensuring that anyone with the desire to

serve has the opportunity to do so—regardless of their current circumstances.

Thanks to generous sponsorships from Limestone Federal Credit Union, Carmeuse

Lime & Stone, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity

Hiawathaland, and Jim and Sara Blanchard, there will be no cost to participants.

Registration is now open, the application can be found by using this link

https://forms.gle/xGnePpx4is7hBfru6 or scanning the QR code below, applications

can also be picked up at The Mill in downtown Manistique. For those passionate

about civic engagement and community service, the Community Academy offers a

meaningful path to making a difference—right here in Schoolcraft County.