The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW), in partnership with Thriving Together NCW and organizations across the region, is bringing the Leadership Institute of NCW (LINCW) to Omak, offering Okanogan County residents an opportunity to grow as leaders and become more engaged in their communities. The program will run from February 20, 2027 through June 15, 2027 in Omak.  Applications are now open through October 31, 2026.

The Leadership Institute of NCW is a free, 20-session leadership and civic engagement program offered in English and Spanish. It is open to anyone age 18 or older who is interested in strengthening their leadership skills and improving the lives of people in their community. All sessions are in person and attendance is required.

LINCW helps participants build the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to create positive change for children, families, and future generations. To make the program accessible, participation is free of charge. Dinner and childcare are provided, and participants who complete the program receive a graduation stipend.

The program is designed for both emerging and established community leaders, and no previous leadership experience or education is required.

Throughout the program, participants will learn how to work across different perspectives, facilitate productive conversations, and bring people together around shared goals. Sessions also cover budgets and resource allocation, how local and state government work, how public policy affects communities, and how to effectively engage with elected and community leaders. Each participant designs a community project that puts learning into action to address a local need or opportunity.

“Building stronger communities starts with empowering people to expand their skills to best serve their communities,” said Beth Stipe, the Foundation’s executive director. “When residents feel a sense of belonging and understand how local systems work, they are more likely to step into leadership roles, volunteer, serve on boards, and participate in local government. The Leadership Institute of NCW helps strengthen our region’s civic muscle by inspiring residents of all backgrounds to get involved and work together to make their communities better places to live, work, and play.”

The curriculum was developed by the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), a nonpartisan family civics initiative of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity. For more than 30 years, PLTI has helped families and community members across the country step into civic life with confidence and lasting impact.

Since launching in 2024, the Leadership Institute of NCW has graduated two cohorts in the Wenatchee Valley and Grant County and is now expanding to Okanogan County. The Omak cohort will continue the program’s expansion across CFNCW’s three-county service area and bring leadership development opportunities directly to Okanogan County.

The Leadership Institute of NCW is a partnership of CFNCW and Thriving Together NCW with support from Okanogan County Child Development Association, Family Health Centers, Room One, Housing Authority of Okanogan County, TranGO, Rural People’s Voice, Okanogan County Community Action Council, Advance, Blue Sky Minds, Okanogan Coalition for Health Improvement, CAFE, ColabOrondo, Little Star School, Economic Alliance, NCW Equity Alliance, Wenatchee Valley College, Link Transit, Melissa Hernandez Inspiration Fund, and Confluence Health and Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Community Health Partnership Fund.

To learn more and apply, visit cfncw.org/leadershipinstituteofncw