Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

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NEWS RELEASE: Bart Peterson to moderate SKL Class XXXIII


For more information about SKL, contact Linda Kirby, Program Director, at lkirby@indylink.com or 317.464.2261.

About The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (SKL)
SKL is an Indianapolis-based leadership program that helps exceptional young professionals grow as business and community leaders. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and resources to become powerful agents of change in our community—to find your passion, broaden your horizons, and connect with the people who can make a difference in your life, today and tomorrow.

Through SKL, you will:

  • Learn about the issues facing our community today, explore them in-depth with current community leaders and discover ways to get involved and help affect change.
  • Meet the business and civic leaders who have made our community what it is today - and can help you shape and realize your vision for what we'll become in the future.
  • Glean insight into how to be a difference-maker in our community from the community leaders and decision-makers who act as "faculty" for SKL.
  • Build a network of community contacts who will be helpful in your future community service efforts.
  • Become a more informed, more motivated, more connected and more effective community leader.

The SKL class year begins in September with an orientation and a two-day, out-of-town opening retreat. From October through May the class meets for monthly, full-day sessions around the greater Indianapolis area, providing class members an in-depth look at the pertinent issues facing our region. Class day topics include education, government, health and human services, the justice system, diversity, quality of life, economic development and more. In June the series concludes with a second out-of-town retreat and graduation ceremony.

Each participant is also requested to serve on one of three committees that work together for the duration of the series.

Application Process
We are no longer accepting applications for Class XXXIII. Applications for Class XXXIV will be available beginning March, 2009.

Selection Criteria
Applicants should:

  • Be between the ages of 25-45.
  • Have both a demonstrated interest in community issues and a record of leadership and achievement in significant voluntary community activities.
  • Occupy a position of leadership reflecting significant achievement relative to age and experience and providing the opportunity to have significant influence on issues facing our community.
  • Have lived in the greater Indianapolis/central Indiana area for three or more years and have a likelihood of staying in the area for the foreseeable future.
  • Be able to commit to the attendance and time requirements.

The SKL Selection Committee, consisting of community leaders, selects 25 participants each year, striving to choose a group that reflects the community in terms of gender, racial, cultural and professional diversity. Usually only one representative of a company or organization is selected to participate in the class annually.

Applicants must be able to commit to attendance at the orientation, both out-of-town retreats and at least 80 percent of the monthly class days, as these are mandatory graduation requirements. Time outside of the class days is necessary, including class day preparation, work on one of three class committees (class members will choose their preference) and optional social time. Time outside of class can range from five to 10 hours per month.

Program Fees
The fee for selected applicants to participate in the program is $1000, usually paid for by the applicant’s employer or sponsor. 

Scholarships
SKL strives to be available to all deserving professionals. That’s why we offer three scholarships to help qualified applicants. Scholarships may cover full or partial tuition, depending on the needs of class members each year.  Application for scholarships occurs at the time of application to the program.

  • The Edna B. Lacy Scholarship funds a building-based, professional educator in the Indianapolis Public Schools system. Funds for this scholarship are provided by the IPS Foundation.
  • The Lacy Leadership Association Memorial Scholarship funds one or more motivated and committed individuals who may not otherwise be able to participate. Special consideration is given to those from non-profit organizations or government entities. This scholarship was established to honor and serve as a memorial to deceased LLA members and moderators who have had contributions made in their memory. If awarded an LLA scholarship, the recipient is encouraged to become an LLA member and class representative upon completion of the SKL series, and become involved with LLA activities.
  • The Lacy Scholarship funds one or more qualified individuals on a needs basis.

The Stanley K. Lacy Legacy
A banker and vigorous participant in civic projects, Stanley K. Lacy had established himself as a recognized community leader in Indianapolis by his mid-20s. In 1973, Mr. Lacy’s life was tragically cut short by an automobile accident.

That same year his mother, Mrs. Howard J. Lacy II, established a foundation in his memory. In 1976, she worked with the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to establish the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series.

Funds from the foundation have since been channeled through the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to underwrite the SKL series. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber manages and staffs the program.

Beyond SKL
Every SKL graduate has the opportunity to continue leadership training, community involvement and educational and social opportunities with the Lacy Leadership Association (LLA). Organized in 1978 and more than 500 members strong, LLA also provides community orientation and involvement through the Get on Board, LEAD and Opportunity Indianapolis programs. LLA is a dues-supported, tax-exempt organization, focusing on initiatives that inspire, link and lead. For more information, visit www.lacyleadership.org or call Theresa Rhodes, LLA President, 317.634.2423.