Exclusive Leadership Training for Aspiring Blue Jays

The Leadership in Practice summer program held on the campus of Westminster College for four days each June provides students from across the state with real-life activities and challenges, plus mentoring and insight from top leaders in the civic and corporate worlds, to prepare students for success in high school and beyond. 

The program, offered by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will take place June 24-27 this year. Although the official deadline to apply has passed, the program still has limited space available and is still accepting applications. Students whose parents are Westminster alumni, faculty, or staff members will be given priority preference in the application process.

“Westminster’s dedication to the theme of leadership, emphasized by the historic speeches that have taken place there, as well as by the type of students who attend Westminster, makes it an ideal place to hold the program,” says Brian Crouse, Vice President of Education for Education with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He adds that the attractive campus and central location enhance the College’s appeal as a venue.

Developed over 19 years to cultivate and instill critical leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills to Missouri students, Leadership in Practice offers presentations, activities, simulations and small group discussions that engage and inspire the sophomores attending to gain confidence in their abilities and network with other sophomores from across the state.

Leadership in Practice is sponsored in part by The Jenny and Warren Erdman Charitable Fund. Westminster alumnus Warren Erdman ’81 ΦΔΘ is a longtime supporter of leadership and business development in the state of Missouri.

“Support from Warren Erdman’s foundation allows students with greater financial needs to attend the program with scholarships,” says Crouse. “Many of the students who receive scholarships for LIP come from rural and urban areas of the state. This increases the diversity of the program, bringing students together from rural, suburban, and urban communities. That level of diversity is a rare opportunity.”

Support from the Erdmans also helps to offset speaker fees and provides compensation for the professionals who take time away from their work to serve as counselors and mentors at LIP.

Applicants are evaluated on character, scholarship, and leadership and must be recommended by a school official, student council sponsor or civic leader. To learn more and apply, visit https://mochamber.com/lip/.  Contact Brian Crouse at bcrouse@mochamber.com or 573-634-3511 with questions.