STC Community Academy Celebrates Successful Completion of Inaugural Program

Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC) proudly announces the successful completion of its first Community Academy, a six-session leadership and civic engagement program designed to help residents better understand local government, community leadership, and the role of nonprofit organizations.

Twelve residents from across the community participated in the program, which took

place from October through early March. Throughout the series, participants gained

valuable insight into how local organizations function and how individuals can become

more engaged leaders within their community.

The Community Academy featured six interactive sessions covering a wide range of

topics including:

• Session 1: Introduction to Local Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement

• Session 2: Meeting Dynamics, Parliamentary Procedure, and Community Collaboration

• Session 3: Ethics and Integrity in Leadership, Public Speaking, and Effective Communication

• Session 4: Board Governance, Leadership Skills, and Local Issues and Policies

• Session 5: Financial Literacy and Practical Experience

• Session 6: Capstone Project, Reflection, Participant Feedback, and Certification

During the final session on Thursday, March 5, 2026, participants presented capstone

projects that incorporated concepts and lessons learned throughout the academy. Many

of the projects were inspired by ideas participants had been considering prior to the program, while others developed because of discussions and insights gained during the

sessions.

Participants were also encouraged to attend local government meetings within the

community as a way to stay engaged and better understand the decision-making

processes that shape local policies and initiatives.

The capstone projects reflected a wide variety of ideas focused on strengthening community involvement and awareness. Several projects focused on volunteerism, including “Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies,” which explored ways to connect individuals with organizations that need assistance by matching volunteers with opportunities that align with their specific skills and interests. Another project, “Victory Volunteers,” aimed to increase awareness of the many volunteer opportunities available throughout the community.

Other projects included a “Getting Involved Guide,” designed to increase awareness of local officials, organizations, and the many ways residents can become involved in community initiatives.

One project focused on local heritage through a “Pioneer Certificate Program,” which would involve researching ancestry in Schoolcraft County and recognizing residents who have pioneer ancestors from the area with a commemorative certificate.

Another creative project, “Awareness to Pathway,” proposed an artwork initiative to draw attention to the pathway underneath the US-2 bridge that connects downtown Manistique to the marina, boardwalk, and beaches—helping highlight an important connection point within the community.

The program concluded with participants reflecting on their experiences and receiving certificates recognizing their completion of the Community Academy.

“This program is about empowering residents with the knowledge and confidence to step into leadership roles within our community,” said STC Executive Director Victoria George. “The twelve participants demonstrated a strong commitment to professional and civic development, and we are excited to see how they use what they’ve learned to strengthen our community.”

Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce would also like to extend sincere appreciation to the generous sponsors who helped make the Community Academy possible. Their support plays an important role in strengthening leadership and civic engagement in our community.

Sponsors include:

• Carmeuse

• Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand

• Jim & Sara Blanchard

• Limestone Financial Credit Union

• Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

The STC Governance Training Committee, which also organized the Community Academy, will continue to provide leadership and organizational training opportunities. Their next training will focus on non-profit organizations and will be held on Thursday, October 1st. The session will include topics on finance, compliance, and governance, providing practical information to help local nonprofit organizations strengthen their

operations and better understand regulatory responsibilities.

Due to the success of the inaugural class, the STC Community Academy will be offered again in the fall of 2028, providing another opportunity for residents interested in leadership, community engagement, and board service.

Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce thanks the presenters, partners, and participants who helped make the first Community Academy a success and looks forward to continuing to build leadership capacity within the community.