Empowering local leaders to build a healthier Berrien County starts with residents who know their neighborhoods best. Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health have opened applications for the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy—a free 12-week program for residents of Niles, Niles Charter Township, and Buchanan. The Academy is designed to build local civic leadership, and residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership roles—including those from underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply. The program strengthens participants’ skills, confidence, and connections that are essential to community‑driven solutions.
Supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Academy strengthens community-driven policy and systems change. Through interactive sessions and project-based learning, the Academy helps residents build skills and relationships to turn local priorities into action.
Why the Academy Matters
The Academy was shaped by local voices and modeled after San Diego’s successful Resident Leadership Academy. Community health assessments continue to highlight the need for safer spaces, healthier food options, stronger community connections, and more opportunities for residents to help shape neighborhood solutions. The Academy provides structure, mentorship, and a supportive space for residents to gather, organize, and lead community-driven change.
“We want more residents to get connected, feel empowered, and take action to create lasting community change,” said Ambie Bell, Executive Director of Emerge Innovation Hub in Niles and a Steering Committee member.
Accepting Applications: ZIP Codes 49120 and 49107
Interested in making a difference where you live? The Community Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its second cohort. Residents who are passionate about their community and want to build skills, confidence, and connections to support local solutions are encouraged to apply. The program is free. Participants build practical skills connected to neighborhood well-being, including:
- Healthy food systems
- Safety and violence prevention
- Land use and active transportation
- Leadership, advocacy, and communication
- Problem-solving and decision-making
Each cohort completes a Community Improvement Project—such as planting a community garden or launching a tool sharing program, reclaiming an overgrown vacant lot through cleanup, or improving a park or trailhead for safety by addressing lighting needs and trimming vegetation.
From Learning to Leadership
The first cohort, launched in fall 2025, brought 12 Benton Harbor residents together to address an immediate community need by developing a Community Improvement Project focused on youth gun violence. That work helped shape the Youth Gun Violence Summit scheduled for June 26, 2026.
“This experience gave me the tools and skills to make a real difference. We’re not just talking about change; we’re creating it together,” said Cori Burton, a cohort participant.
Graduates continue working alongside community partners to turn their action plans into meaningful community impact.
Who Should Apply
Adults 18+ living in Niles, Niles Charter Township, and Buchanan (ZIP codes 49120 and 49107) are eligible to apply. Residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in community leadership roles are especially encouraged to apply.
Program Details
- 12 weeks of interactive Wednesday evening sessions
- Location: Niles (details provided to participants)
- Meals provided; childcare stipends available
- Free to participants
- No prior leadership experience is required
Apply: Applications are open through March 20, 2026
Your ideas matter. Your neighborhood matters. Join the Community Leadership Academy and help shape a stronger, more connected Berrien County.
Apply at behealthyberrien.org/cla/
