Southern's Appalachian Leadership Academy

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It's all about honor, integrity, service, civic engagement, and leadership. Are you ready?

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, in cooperation with the Cotiga Development Company, is proud to sponsor the Appalachian Leadership Academy. The mission the Appalachian Leadership Academy is to identify Southern students with outstanding character and prepare them with the leadership and diversity skills needed to serve as engaged, conscientious citizens as they enter the business, political, and academic world.

Students enrolled in the Academy are identified as Cotiga Fellows. Cotiga Fellows receive full tuition, for four semesters, 12-hours of college credit, and a book allowance. The Fellows also have the opportunity to travel, lead positive change, have an impact in the greater community, and build a network of peers among local, regional, and state leaders.

The Cotiga Chapter is an onsite program, located at the Williamson Campus, with students attending classes and seminars once a week. Cotiga Fellows have the opportunity to identify and develop their own personal leadership styles through classroom lectures, hands-on exercises, group activities, discussions and forums, team building exercises, and community service projects. Southern selects up to 15 students annually to participate in the two-year program.

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is currently recruiting for its 2011 Class of Cotiga Fellows and welcomes all applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or religion. Any freshmen planning to attend classes on the Williamson Campus is eligible to apply. Fellowships are not based on GPA, extracurricular activities, or major. Southern is seeking freshmen who are looking for opportunities to develop and practice their leadership skills.

Students must attend an interest meeting prior to application.  Interest meetings are scheduled for the following dates and times.  Students need only attend one.  Parents are welcome.  Allow one hour.


September 20    noon          Williamson Campus, Room 433
September 21    6:00 p.m.          Williamson Campus, Room 433
September 28    noon          Williamson Campus, Room 433
September 29    6:00 p.m.          Williamson Campus, Room 433