Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with the United Way of Central Ohio, Inc., a non-profit corporation, in support of the African American Leadership Academy to provide operational funding.
The African American Leadership Academy (AALA) is a community-based leadership development program that expands the number of African American leaders excelling in their professions and engaging in community service throughout central Ohio. Its mission is to increase the number of central Ohio African American leaders and broaden the community's awareness of a wider collection of capable and civic minded African American professionals. Founded in 2005, AALA reaches across corporate, non-profit, government, education, and entrepreneurial sectors to form cohorts that explore rich personal and professional development experiences. To that end, AALA assembles a group of Fellows who have the potential for significant accomplishments in both their careers and community. AALA selects individuals who are ready to grow professionally and have a passion for helping the community overcome obstacles and thrive. Each cohort provides Fellows with rich experiences that enhance their professional and personal growth. Fellows graduate with deeper understanding of their own leadership style and strengths.
Furthermore, graduates have a clear strategy for advancing their professional careers and civic contributions. AALA has prepared more than 300 professionals. The curriculum focuses on strength-based management, leadership agility, and making value-added connections.
Over the past ten years, the demand for AALA's Fellowship Program has grown significantly. During the last five years, AALA has received up to five times the number of applications to available slots. Traditionally, the program took 20 Fellows per year. In 2022, the AALA grew from 20 to 40 Fellows with the support of a large gift of $150,000.00 from the Columbus Partnership. Since ...
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