Students, organizers highlight Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy and call for local support

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from Deb Mascar of the Southwest Iowa Leadership Academy and a group of middle-school students who attended last year’s camp.

Deb Mascar introduced students from Underwood Middle School and described the program as a leadership-development camp founded in 1989 and offered to area middle schools. Mascar said the coming summer will be the sixth annual leadership academy for the current program configuration in West Pottawattamie County and that organizers expect seven of eight county middle schools to participate; she said organizers are still seeking participation from one remaining school.

Student presentations: Several students described teamwork exercises they had from the camp, including cooperative challenges that required groups to transfer water with obstacles, balance a beach ball using only feet, and move a marble through sections of PVC pipe. Students credited the camp with lessons about working with different personalities and valuing each member’s contributions.

Participation and funding: Mascar told the board the program operates as a 501(c)(3) and relies on fundraising and grants; last year 88 students attended (a typical year is about 100–101). The student fee is partially paid by families, but Mascar said the application states that no student will be turned away for inability to pay; the program offered four partial scholarships last year and organizers work individually with families to provide additional assistance. Schools also contribute varying levels of financial support depending on district policies.

Board reaction: Supervisors thanked the students and organizers and encouraged continued outreach to additional schools and local businesses for speakers and funding. The presentation concluded with a group photo and expressions of appreciation.