Applications now available for 2019 Connect with Southern Indiana program

Connect with Southern Indiana, a regional leadership program managed by University of Southern Indiana Community Engagement, is accepting applications for its 2019 class. The annual program focuses on promoting active citizenship and developing creative problem-solving skills for individuals across a nine-county region in southwest Indiana. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 9.

Connect with Southern Indiana is designed to transcend traditional boundaries of towns and counties, occupation and demography. Participants will meet others from the region with similar concerns and interests, identify areas for collaborative projects and meet business and civic leaders.

"Several aspects of Connect with Southern Indiana set this leadership program apart," said Leslie Townsend, director of Community Engagement. "Participants will learn unique problem-solving techniques from USI Entrepreneurship faculty that can be utilized in their careers."

Faculty from USI's Entrepreneurial Initiative, including Dr. Kevin Celuch, professor of marketing, and Bryan Bourdeau, instructor of management, as well as community leaders, will facilitate sessions on divergent and analytical thinking, idea generation, communication and strategic entrepreneurship from a community development perspective.

"I felt inspired by the questions asked by Dr. Celuch and felt personal growth through the ideation process with both 'Coach K' and 'Coach B,'" said Laura Anderson, 2018 Connect with Southern Indiana graduate. "I would strongly encourage others to attend Connect with Southern Indiana. You will definitely learn something about the area and yourself!"

Connect with Southern Indiana is open to USI students and employees as well as Indiana residents living in Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh or Warrick counties. Up to 24 individuals will be selected for the program.

"Because sessions are held in nine southern Indiana counties, participants learn about what makes this region special," said Townsend. "Sessions might include a behind the scenes tour of Toyota or visits to cultural sites like Angel Mounds, Lincoln Boyhood or New Harmony."

Participants will attend ten full-day sessions between January and May and develop a collaborative project, which they will present at the end of the program. Applicants should have an interest in improving the quality of life in their community and/or region, a desire to develop leadership skills and to become actively involved in their area.

Additional information and an application for the 2019 Connect with Southern Indiana class can be found at USI.edu/connect.