Northwestern leadership development program accepts applications for 2025-26

Applications are now being accepted for Accelerate Siouxland, a regional leadership development program offered by Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation and Leadership.

The program seeks to familiarize participants with Siouxland’s resources to spark new connections and ideas that enhance the well-being of area residents and their communities. Members engage award-winning materials such as Franklin Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team,” and “Unconscious Bias”; network with northwest Iowa organizational leaders; and complete a practical project designed to benefit the region.

This year’s cohort will again be led by Russ Adams, assistant director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership and director of Northwestern’s Master of Education program in educational administration, along with Laura Jeltema, co-owner of KinderZone, Orange City.

“Accelerate Siouxland is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on our areas of strength and growth as a leader, learn about the diverse industries we have in northwest Iowa, network with people who are having a positive effect on our region, and have a tangible impact on a local community with a project,” a 2024–25 cohort graduate said. Another respondent added, “Through Accelerate Siouxland, I gained the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in my workplace and in my community.”

Accelerate Siouxland will meet on the second Thursday of each month from September through April in various locations throughout Siouxland. Topics for discussion will include government, community development, business/industry, health care, education, agriculture, nonprofits, and faith/values.

Cost of the program, all materials and micro-credentials to showcase participants’ personal development is $925. Registration for the 2025–26 cohort is open until Aug. 10 at nwciowa.edu/accelerate.