CenterPoint Scholars Program

We’re preparing for the 2025-2026 class of CenterPoint Scholars.

CenterPoint Scholars is a year-long leadership academy designed to cultivate a cohort of dedicated resident leaders who are passionate about enhancing the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The program will follow a structured curriculum that encompasses listening, learning, implementing, and celebrating the progress made. By March 2025, the CenterPoint Scholars Program will have trained our first class of ten neighborhood leaders, equipping them with essential skills for advocacy, resident engagement, and project management.

Apply Today!

Mee the 2024-2025 SCHOLARS

THE PROGRAM

The CenterPoint Scholars Program kicks off with a weekend retreat April 19-21 at Hueston Woods, OH. The retreat will set the framework for the year-long program and build connections between participants.

Meetings will be held monthly at the E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center (400 W. Minnetrista Blvd.)

2025-2026 SCHEDULE | DOWNLOAD (pdf)

CenterPoint Scholars must sign a Memorandum of Agreement to meet attendance requirements and complete all learning goals. Upon successful completion of the program, Scholars will receive $500 for their participation.

IDEA Conference – March 8, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Understanding Local Government Structure & Finance
Code Enforcement Panel
Increasing Relationships and Resources and Decreasing Barriers

Heuston Woods – April 11-12, 2025

Developing Your Personal Why
Project Management: Goal Setting
Project Management: Budgeting
Trust Building
Effective Leadership
Community Connections Panel
An Introduction to Advocacy

Tuesday, April 15th (5 – 7 p.m.)

The Importance of Neighborhoods

Tuesday, May 20th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Effective Communication – Listening with your Eyes

Tuesday, June 17th (5 – 7 p.m.)

How to Fund Your Association’s Work (panel)

Tuesday, July 15th (7 – 9 p.m.)

Neighborhoods Pool Party @ Tuhey

Tuesday, August 19th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Neighborhoods Pool Party @ Tuhey

Tuesday, September 17, 5 – 7 p.m.

Crowdbased Fundraising

Tuesday, September 16th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Resident Listening

Tuesday, October 14th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Pitch 2026 Projects

Tuesday, November 19, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Tuesday, November 18th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Celebrating Lessons Learned

Tuesday, December 16th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Delegation

Tuesday, January 21, 5 – 7 p.m.

Celebrating Lessons Learned

Tuesday, January 20th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Recruitment

Tuesday, February 17th (5 – 7 p.m.)

Presentation to Neighborhood Leadership Council and Elected Officials

The program will culminate with a presentation by the Scholars at the 2025 IDEA Conference, Saturday, March 7, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ball State University Student Center.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The program is open to any adult resident of the city of Muncie with a passion for improving their community.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the application form by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10^th.

SELECTION

The CenterPoint Scholars steering committee will meet in February to review applications and contact finalists. Ten Scholars will be selected for this inaugural class, which will begin at the IDEA Conference on Saturday, March 8th at 9:00 a.m.