The Morgan County Leadership Academy is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 that focuses on community leadership development through peer-to-peer networking, providing county insights and resources, skill building, and programs designed to enhance leadership involvement in serving the communities of Morgan County.
Applicants for the leadership programs are selected by an anonymous committee to participate in the MCLA program, which starts in January and concludes in September. Participants commit to attending nine sessions, along with a graduation dinner over the nine-month period. Each session is specifically designed to teach various facets of Morgan County while building essential leadership skills.
Session Information
Second Thursday of each month, January - September, 8 AM - 5 PM, Location: Morgan County, Indiana
2026 Tuition Rates
$750 per participant or $500 for those sponsored by a nonprofit organization.
(Proof of current nonprofit status from the IRS is required to receive the discount.)
The January session features a one-day opening retreat, allowing participants to learn about the Morgan County Leadership Academy, understand the challenges faced in Morgan County, and connect with one another. Each subsequent month, the group will meet to delve deeper into life in Morgan County, covering topics from the educational system to the operation of the jail. The class also undertakes a group community project aimed at enhancing Morgan County. This project may involve raising funds for a local organization, disseminating information within the community, or improving a public system. In late September, participants are honored during an evening graduation ceremony, where they present their community project(s). This ceremony serves as a celebration of their achievements with family, friends, and co-workers.
Over the course of nine months, MCLA participants gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of leadership. A key focus of the academy is to emphasize that leaders are not necessarily extraordinary individuals but rather ordinary people who step up to assist their communities, organizations, and workplaces.
The Morgan County Leadership Academy is funded through participant fees, corporate sponsorships, and donations from community members who recognize the importance of leadership in community development.
Today, Morgan County benefits from hundreds of MCLA alumni who actively apply their expertise within local communities, civic organizations, non-profit agencies, and government bodies to foster community leadership at all levels.
