Lake Michigan College, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber seek applications for 2026 Cohort of Leadership Accelerator Program
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lake Michigan College and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber are now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of Leadership Accelerator, the region’s premier program for emerging leaders.
The program combines the college’s academic expertise with the Chamber’s network of business, nonprofit, and civic leaders, resulting in a unique blend of classroom learning, practical experience, and community-focused insight.
“Leadership Accelerator is designed around a curriculum that builds the full spectrum of leadership skills,” said Dr. Kenneth Flowers, Executive Vice President at Lake Michigan College. “Participants gain practical knowledge they can immediately apply to lead effectively in their organizations and across Southwest Michigan.”
“Strong communities are built by strong leaders,” said Arthur Havlicek, President and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “That’s why our Chamber partners with Lake Michigan College—to ensure emerging leaders have access to the education and experiences they need to strengthen our region for years to come.”
The seven-month program begins Jan. 22, 2026, and includes 12 half-day sessions held twice a month on Thursdays at Lake Michigan College’s Benton Harbor Campus, along with one full-day session at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing.
Each session focuses on a distinct leadership skill, taught by a diverse group of local and state leaders. Program topics include critical thinking, inclusion, collaborative decision-making, emotional intelligence, community engagement, politics, and leadership.
Ideal candidates are professionals in high-impact roles who have been identified as emerging or established leaders seeking to expand their leadership capacity. The cost of the program is $1,500, and participants receive a certificate upon completion.
Applications are due by Dec. 5, 2025, and acceptance notifications will be sent by Dec. 12, 2025. To apply, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/community/leadership.
For more information, contact Pam McVay, Director, President’s Office and Culture and Talent Success, at (269) 927-8861 or mcvay@lakemichigancollege.edu, or Sarah Spoonholtz, Director of Membership, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, at (269) 932-4040 or sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com.
Leadership Accelerator Program topics include critical thinking, inclusion, collaborative decision-making, emotional intelligence, community engagement, politics, and leadership.
