Do I have to be nominated to apply to Ottumwa Leadership Academy?
While nominations definitely help a person with the process of applying, they are not required.
Do I have to live in Ottumwa?
You have to live and/or work in Wapello County.
Am I too young/old for this program?
As long as you are at least 18 years old, you are eligible! Participants ages have ranged from 18 – 63 years of age.
I’ve lived here my whole life. Isn’t this program JUST for people new to the community?
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived here! Alumni from previous classes who “have lived here their whole life” are surprised by how much they learned about the community. The 2019 class has lived and/or worked in Wapello County in the following breakdown:
5% less than 1 year
30% 1-5 years
40% 6-20 years
25% 21-50 years
Who is eligible to participate in Ottumwa Leadership Academy?
Anyone who lives or works in Wapello County with a desire to further serve the community is eligible to apply for participation. Class size is limited and the selection of candidates is accomplished on a competitive basis.
What is the tuition for the program?
Tuition for the Academy is $950. Tuition may be paid by an employer/sponsor, individual or not-for-profit organization.
What does the price of tuition include?
- Over 25 hours of leadership training over the course of 10 classes.
- An enhanced understanding and appreciation of community strengths, needs, and prospects.
- The opportunity to build solid relationships with other participants, board members, and alumni.
- The opportunity to engage with numerous community leaders from Ottumwa/Wapello County schools, government, non-profits, health care entities and more.
- The opportunity to make a real difference in Ottumwa and Wapello County via organized team projects.
How do I apply for the program?
Complete and submit an enrollment application and follow the instructions provided on the application.
How is the Ottumwa Leadership Academy funded?
Funding is provided by participant tuition fees, contributions from corporations and organizations. It is subsidized by the Legacy Foundation and is a program of the Foundation.
Is tuition assistance available?
We have limited scholarships available: The Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship and the Alumni Association Scholarship.
Andy Hansen was Plant Manager at John Deere Ottumwa Works from 2010-2013. While in Ottumwa, Andy provided leadership and encouraged others to step into leadership roles. He demonstrated his leadership through volunteerism and was part of the following boards: Legacy Foundation, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Wapello County, Ottumwa Airport Advisory, Indian Hills Community College Leadership Advisory, Indian Hills Community College Local Advisory Council
Following his tenure, the Legacy Foundation wanted to honor Andy’s dedication to the betterment of the Ottumwa community by creating the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship.
The Alumni Association saw a need for additional scholarships and started raising funds for the first Alumni Scholarship in 2015. The Alumni Association Committee raises money through fund drives as well as fun events – such as a dodge ball tournament. Since its inception, the alumni have provided at least 1 scholarship each year and in recent years at least 2 scholarships each year.
Scholarships are for one year’s tuition for a participant from a non-profit organization or small business, and for an individual who might not otherwise have funds for tuition. To be considered for the scholarship, the applicant must fill out the enrollment and scholarship application by date posted on the application form. Contact the Ottumwa Leadership Academy office to obtain the application.
