18 residents will spend 9 months studying how local government, school boards, and public systems shape opportunities for the city’s children
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — In August, 18 Allentown residents began the inaugural class of Civic Leadership Academy, a nine-month program that prepares neighbors to run for public office, serve on civic boards, and lead initiatives in their own community.
The Civic Leadership Academy expands on the nationally respected School Board School framework here in Allentown, helping residents understand how local systems work, connect with civic leaders, and develop the skills to become informed and effective community leaders.
The inaugural class will complete 22 sessions over 9 months led by content-area experts, inviting participants to study how school boards operate, how policy moves at the local and state levels, and how district budgets get built. They will attend school board and City Council meetings together and debrief them afterward. They will visit local schools, practice fundraising, and build a group project outside of class time. The program ends in April, when each member presents a vision for community impact and a plan to act on it.
“Meaningful community change happens when residents have the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to influence the systems that shape their lives. The Civic Leadership Academy is an investment in Allentown to prepare the leaders our community needs for the future.” — Darian Colbert, Executive Director
Civic Leadership Academy is an initiative of Cohesion Network, developed in partnership with the Leonard Parker Pool Institute for Health, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. It was built around a shared belief that neighborhoods are strongest when residents understand the systems that shape their lives and have the relationships and confidence to keep improving them.
The first class was selected through a comprehensive application and interview process that closed in June. All participants commit to five to ten hours a week of learning material and full participation in all 22 sessions.
“I want to participate in Civic Leadership Academy’s learning program because I am committed to growing as a leader who can create meaningful, lasting change in my community. I am especially interested in learning how to navigate local systems, build stronger partnerships, and develop strategies that move beyond good intentions into real change. Civic Leadership Academy feels like the right space for me to grow, be challenged, and build alongside others who are just as committed to our community.” — Lizbeth Espiritusanto, Class 1 Participant
Graduation in April is not the end of it. Members join a robust network of civic leaders and advocates to keep meeting, learning, and working together on the issues facing Allentown’s children.
Learn more about Civic Leadership Academy at cohesionnetwork.org/cla and read the bios of our inaugural class here: https://cohesionnetwork.org/civic-leadership-academy/class-1/
About Cohesion Network
Cohesion Network is a community-based nonprofit in Allentown, Pennsylvania, focused on equipping young people with character and leadership skills and fostering community-led solutions that strengthen neighborhoods. Rooted in the city’s 1st and 6th Wards, Cohesion partners with residents and leaders to grow changemakers and build thriving, connected communities.
Learn more at cohesionnetwork.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jenna Azar
