Community Builders Academy
Become a catalyst for community change today.
Program Schedule
Build your future in just two evenings a week. Monday & Wednesday, September to March to 2025.
Mark Your Calendar
Submit your application by September 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. All applicants will be notified of their status by September 5.
Launch Your Business
The Community Builders Academy provides aspiring community leaders with the skills, tools, and network needed to launch impactful initiatives and in their communities.
About the Academy
Your journey to community impact starts now
If you’re passionate about creating change but unsure where to begin, the Community Builders Academy (CBA) was designed for you.This hands-on academy equips aspiring changemakers with the tools to lead meaningful initiatives—covering everything from civic engagement and project planning to advocacy, budgeting, and leadership development.
Course details
The Community Builders Academy is a 22-week, in-person program designed to help you lead change where you live. Through hands-on workshops, real-world projects, and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to plan impactful initiatives, manage resources, and navigate local systems. Whether you’re new to community work or looking to grow your impact, this course gives you the tools, confidence, and network to lead with purpose.
Overview
What You Will Learn
Leadership Mindset & Growth
Build the confidence, clarity, and resilience to lead impactful change in your community.
Project Planning & Management
Learn how to design, implement, and evaluate real-world community projects.
Communication & Public Speaking
Sharpen your ability to engage, inspire, and mobilize others through effective storytelling and messaging.
Budgeting & Resource Management
Gain the skills to build realistic budgets, manage resources, and seek out funding opportunities.
Civic Engagement & Government Navigation
Understand how local government works and how to advocate for policies that benefit your community.
Cultural Awareness & Inclusive Leadership
Design initiatives that are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to diverse community needs.
Networking & Collaboration
Build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and community partners who share your vision for change.
What’s Included
Included in Your Program
Class Content
Content Co-created with insight
Real-world projects
Project Reviews
Student Services
Real-Time support
Alumni Community
Business Resources
Network Opportunities
Tips & Exercises
Your Journey Starts Here
What You’ll Learn
Community Advocates
Passionate individuals seeking guidance to make change happen.
Emerging Leaders
Those already engaged in community projects who want to refine and scale their work.
Career Changers
Professionals ready to pivot into community organizing or advocacy.
Changemakers
Driven individuals eager to bring visibility and impact to their ideas.
All Our Programs Include
Real-world projects from industry experts.
With real-world projects and immersive content built in partnership with top-tier companies, you’ll master the business skills to launch your business.
Real-time support
Gain valuable information in the classroom in real-time.
Networking
You’ll have access to a community of business developers like you to advance your business.
Resources
Access to free materials.
Contact Us
empoweru@eastharriscounty.org
Turn Your Ideas into Reality.
We transform lives by connecting people to resources and opportunities.




