Do you see significant issues in the community that need solving?

Do you have an idea for transformative change?

LIA’s new CIF program could be a great fit for you!

Community Impact Fellows

The Community Impact Fellows (CIF) program is the newest program of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. This topic-based solutions-oriented program will provide participants with the knowledge and skillsets they need to take an idea for community impact and transform it into an actionable project plan. This program’s purpose is to build off of the insights gained through Leadership Lafayette and like leadership programs, leading to a greater Acadiana and beyond.

Thank you for your interest in Community Impact Fellows!

What is the Community Impact Fellows program?

Community Impact Fellows is a dynamic six-month executive program designed to empower leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive significant community transformation. The program concentrates on strategic development of high-impact projects, emphasizing a deep understanding of community dynamics, needs, and assets.

This Program Objectives are as follows:

Leverages participant’s deep understanding of community dynamics, needs, and assets earned from previous community leadership courses and/or community role(s).
Enhances participant’s leadership acumen, collaborative spirit, and strategic communication skills to build effective leaders.
Sharpens participant’s ability to craft, plan, execute, and assess initiatives that make a tangible difference.
Strengthens participant’s credibility as an emerging/established leader.

What Do Graduates and Their Organizations Get Out of the Program?

For Graduates
Following graduation, participants will join the Leadership Institute of Acadiana’s network of nearly 1,000 local alumni. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and walk away with a Project Plan that will be actionable in the community. The skillsets and knowledge gained in the cohort will be transferable among a number of professions and disciplines.

For Organizations
When graduates activate the insights and connections gained through the CIF program, the community and businesses benefit from improved understanding, solutions-focused problem-solving skills, and new relationships. Organizations supportive of their staff member’s participation gain additional visibility and recognition as being committed to the improvement of the entire Acadiana region.

Who is a good fit for the Community Impact Fellows program?

Applicants for the Community Impact Fellows should be graduates of Leadership Lafayette or a like leadership program. If applicants have not participated in Leadership Lafayette or a like leadership program, they must explain why they have a well-rounded level of community knowledge and experience that would sufficiently substitute for participation.

Applicants must have a program, initiative, event, non-profit, or social enterprise that they will refine and expand throughout the program.

Coursework is action-oriented, requiring the leader to apply what they will learn to their project, to be presented upon completion.
Collaborative efforts are encouraged, allowing
participants to join with other members of their cohort to enhance the scale and impact of the final project.

If you are an established or emerging leader who wants to obtain the tools and knowledge to move a concept forward, you may be a great fit for Community Impact Fellows. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, industries, and sectors. Candidates must have full support of the business or organization they represent, if applicable.

Community Impact Fellows: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Tuition for the Community Impact Fellows (CIF) pilot program is a reduced rate of $1,500.

Selection to the CIF program is made without regard to an applicant’s financial circumstances. To ensure qualified and diverse representation in CIF, we offer limited tuition assistance for up to $500 of the tuition cost. Tuition assistance requests are to be submitted at the time of application.

What are the selection requirements?

The Selection Committee is made up of a diverse group of community stakeholders and Leadership Institute of Acadiana alumni who remain anonymous during the process. When the committee selects this year’s group of 15 participants, they consider the following:

Applicants should live or work in the Acadiana area.
Applicants must have the full support of the organization for whom the applicant works, if applicable.
Applicants must be willing and able to commit to the mandatory program days and the time necessary to complete the program.
Ideal candidates will also display:
- A commitment to expand and further develop their leadership skills and to increase their civic and community involvement.
- A commitment to using the Community Impact Fellows experience for the long-term benefit of the community.
In addition, the Selection Committee focuses on building a diverse cohort to ensure broad representation from a variety of occupational, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as geographic areas and community interests.

How often does it take place?

The annual Community Impact Fellows program runs from October through March.

Applications are typically available beginning in June and the deadline for submission is in July.