Overview
Sponsored by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and managed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, the initiative is aimed at enhancing the leadership potential of emerging and experienced leaders in the Starkville and Oktibbeha County community.
All sessions are designed to offer a comprehensive, interactive experience for the participants that encourages maximum dialogue and discussion. While foundational leadership training serves as a basis for The Forum, sessions covering community development, economic development, and government are incorporated for a complete and balanced training that stimulates dynamic, outside-the-box thinking and community action. Individual research projects combined with community team projects engage participants outside of class that promotes sustainable community involvement.
How do I participate?
Recruitment has begun for the 2011-2012 FORUM class. A tentative agenda has been developed; classes will start in August 2011 and finish in June 2012. Please complete the application and have at least three references complete the reference form.
In addition to participating in all of the classes, each participant will be expected to identify an individual research report topic and present it to the class (click here to view the guidelines). Participants are also expected to participate in a team environment to develop and implement a team project that benefits a Starkville/Oktibbeha County civic organization (click here to view the guidelines).
How much does it cost?
The fee to participate in THE FORUM is $600 per person. Applicants may be considered for a limited number of full and partial scholarships with the highest consideration going to those applicants who are self-employed or not employed. Scholarship applications are available upon request.
How long is the program?
The program usually consists of fifteen (15) sessions scheduled throughout the year.
Who is responsible for the program?
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is sponsoring the program while the Mississippi State University Extension Service/Department of Agricultural Economics is providing the management and technical assistance. Individuals, businesses, or organizations serve as sponsors and hosts for the individual class meetings.
Who makes up the Steering Committee?
Steering Committee members, along with their responsibilities, are listed here.
For More Information
Contact Alan Barefield at alanb@ext.msstate.edu (662-325-7995).