Career Leadership Academy: Preparing Students for Success
The Career Leadership Academy equips students with essential workforce readiness, leadership development, and power skills. Through five engaging sessions, students participate in hands-on training led by Effective Leadership Academy (ELA) facilitators and gain real-world insights from industry professionals. Each session highlights a different career pathway—including healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and entrepreneurship—helping students build confidence, explore opportunities, and shape their futures.
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A Journey of Self-Discovery
The Career Leadership Academy transforms the city into a dynamic learning environment where students connect with local business and civic leaders. Through immersive experiences and mentorship, participants strengthen leadership and career readiness skills while uncovering their strengths and potential. By engaging with professionals across industries, students gain valuable exposure, confidence, and the motivation to take proactive steps toward their future goals.
Building Essential Power Skills
Success in today’s workforce requires more than technical expertise—it demands strong power skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. The Career Leadership Academy fosters these essential competencies through interactive leadership training and real-world industry engagement. Students learn to collaborate effectively, think critically, and present themselves with confidence—gaining a competitive edge that prepares them for career and life success.
Expanding Professional Networks for Future Success
Networking is a crucial skill for career advancement, and the Career Leadership Academy provides students with hands-on opportunities to build meaningful connections. Through interactions with business leaders, industry professionals, and peers, students learn to engage in professional conversations, ask insightful questions, and establish valuable relationships. These connections create pathways to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities, giving students a strong foundation for long-term success.
Sample CLA Schedule
Government
Explore outside-the-box thinking and growth mindset by learning from government officials who use unique perspectives to keep the city moving forward.
Personal Branding
Discover the importance of identity awareness and personal branding by learning how media strategists and business leaders leverage communication to maximize influence.
Health & Wellness
Learn the critical importance of life balance and goal setting from wellness professionals who have made promoting a healthy balance in mind and body their lifes work.
Sales & Marketing
Strengthen networking and presentation skills by hearing from business leaders who use positive interactions and clear communicaiton to keep their companies growing.
Entrepreneurship
Explore outside-the-box thinking and growth mindset by learning from government officials who keep the city moving forward.
A Journey of Self Discovery
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Program Participants
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"Before this program, I had an idea of what my personality was, but this program has helped me learn how my type of personality works with people of other personalities; it’s really eye-opening. In general, I have learned how to be more confident in myself and not to be afraid to step out of my shell."
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Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Chamber program hosted?
We run this program 5 half-days a year. The dates are typically scheduled around the school calendar. The program usually runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the five selected days. This program can also be hosted as an intense one-week summer program (five half-days). The program locations are scheduled in advance by the ELA Team in collaboration with the local businesses in the chosen city.
What is the curriculum for CLA?
While the students are exploring their city and different career opportunities, ELA also provides two hours of training per session, engaging students with key work force development skills necessary for success in the 21st century. Included but not limited to Collaboration skills, Communication skills, Critical Thinking skills, Goal Setting and Time Management.
Can my School District/Chamber/Community get involved?
Yes, ELA is expanding our footprint with our Chamber program model within Northeast Ohio, and we would love to discuss how we bring this to you students/Chamber/Community.
Is the CLA program hosted at the school?
The purpose of the CLA program is to take students out into their community, turning a community into a classroom. ELA’s Chamber program allows students to celebrate the many different businesses in their community, assisting with career exploration, networking for internships and future jobs.
How much does the CLA program cost to bring to a school/chamber/community?
We look to share the cost of this program between the school/chamber and community. ELA works hard to raise philanthropic dollars from community partners and philanthropic donors. The school district makes a contribution to support each student that attends. We would be happy to discuss what this could look like for your district.
Which type of students are the best candidates to include in the CLA program?
We often get asked this question and while this program is an option for all high school students’ leaders, we find students who are struggling with career choice, or struggling with choosing next steps after school, students who need an additional gem on their resume for the work world or college – this is a great solution. Student leaders also shine in this program.
Is transportation provided?
No. We ask the school district or the student to take on that responsibility. We provide snacks and drinks and a light lunch on the final day.
