Northwestern leadership development program accepts applications for 2026-27

Applications are now open for Accelerate Siouxland, a regional leadership development program offered by Northwestern College’s Center for Innovation and Leadership.

The program combines leadership training, regional networking and hands-on community engagement to help participants grow personally and professionally while strengthening Siouxland communities. Members engage award-winning Franklin Covey materials, including “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team” and “Unconscious Bias,” while connecting with organizational leaders from across northwest Iowa. Cohort members also collaborate on a practical project designed to benefit the region.

“Accelerate Siouxland has challenged my beliefs and values so I can see different perspectives and experiences while helping me grow deeper in my beliefs,” said one participant from last year’s cohort. Another shared, “Accelerate Siouxland helped me grow personally, socially and professionally.”

This year’s cohort will again be led by Russ Adams, assistant director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership and director of Northwestern’s Master of Education program in educational administration.

Accelerate Siouxland meets on the second Thursday of each month from September through April at locations throughout Siouxland. Discussion topics include government, community development, business and industry, healthcare, education, agriculture, nonprofits, and faith and values.

The cost of the program, including materials and micro-credentials recognizing participants’ personal and professional development, is $925. Applications for the 2026–27 cohort will be accepted through Aug. 14 at nwciowa.edu/accelerate.