Future Leaders Academy Application
Empower Your Leadership Journey
The Future Leaders Academy, a pioneering initiative by The Building Bridges Project, is co-founded by Snohomish County Councilmembers Nate Nehring and Jared Mead, alongside Josh Estes, a community volunteer & leader. This academy is our commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders passionate about promoting civil discourse, respectful dialogue, and collaborative solutions for our
Program Overview
From September 2024 to June 2025, participants are invited to embark on a transformative journey to not only shape leaders but also pioneer innovative approaches to civility and community engagement. Facilitated by our co-founders and a distinguished network of community leaders, this program unfolds in two pivotal phases, each designed to encourage collaboration, inspire action, and foster meaningful community impact.
1. Civility Proposal Development (September - December): Participants will be organized into teams to collaboratively craft proposals that address enhancing civility from a multitude of perspectives. This phase encourages the synthesis of diverse ideas into coherent, actionable strategies aimed at promoting respectful dialogue and understanding across community divides. These proposals will culminate in presentations at the annual Building Bridges Summit in December, offering teams the opportunity to share their visions and potential solutions with the community at large.
2. Community Service Project (January - June): Following the proposal phase, teams will transition their focus towards implementing community service projects that embody the principles of their civility proposals. These projects are specifically designed to positively influence the community's well-being, providing a hands-on experience in civic engagement and the practical application of civility. Throughout this phase, participants will also be eligible to receive community service hours, recognizing their contributions and dedication to the program's goals.
In addition to gaining invaluable mentorship from community leaders, participants will benefit from a rich learning environment fostered through monthly gatherings that blend in-person and virtual meetings, along with immersive community events. This dual-phase approach not only emphasizes theoretical knowledge but also prioritizes experiential learning, ensuring that participants can apply what they've learned in real-world contexts.
The program will culminate in June with a graduation ceremony, where each group will recap their community service projects and reflect on their journey and learnings. This ceremony serves as a platform for celebrating achievements, sharing experiences, and showcasing the tangible results of their commitment to building bridges within the community.
The Future Leaders Academy is more than just a program; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of our world with empathy, understanding, and a steadfast commitment to civility.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to high school students who live in Snohomish County and are eager to lead and make a difference.
- Reliable transportation for monthly meetings is essential.
- A $100 supply fee is required, with scholarships available to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Join Us
Are you ready to shape the future? Please complete this application and submit it via email to Info@TheBuildingBridgesProject.org.