FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Leadership Fort Wayne (LFW), a program of Greater Fort Wayne, Inc., has received a three-year grant from the AWS Foundation to provide two full scholarships per year in Leadership Fort Wayne. The grant, which allocates $7,600 annually, will support tuition and material expenses, allowing two individuals with disabilities to participate in the nine-month program for each of the next three years.
LFW seeks to bring individuals together representing the rich tapestry that makes up the greater Fort Wayne community. AWS Foundation’s grant further strengthens the program’s commitment to bringing a broad and diverse group of leaders together to learn and develop leadership skills while gaining a deeper awareness and understanding of community needs and opportunities.
This is the fourth year LFW has received a grant funding the inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
“The experience of Leadership Fort Wayne has been nothing short of incredible,” said Micah Wood, a member of the LFW Class of 2019 and a recipient of last year’s AWS Foundation grant. “LFW not only helped me learn more about leadership but it also helped me network and meet other people in the community. I believe I will better be able to serve and lead in this community with the knowledge I learned from this program. I appreciate AWS Foundation for their part in allowing me to have this great opportunity.”
“We have a longstanding commitment to bringing people together with different backgrounds and experiences,” said Brenda Gerber Vincent, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s VP of community and corporate impact. “AWS Foundation’s grant ensures individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in Leadership Fort Wayne tuition-free. Not only do the scholarship winners benefit; everyone benefits when diverse viewpoints are included in our civic conversations.”
LFW started in 1983 as a means to engage community leaders for the benefit of the greater community and community serving organizations. Since its inception, more than 1,300 individuals have participated in the program. Leadership Fort Wayne consists of nine full-day program days over nine months. All individuals work on a Community Action Team project during the course of the program. Following program completion, individuals are encouraged to serve a 12-month internship on a nonprofit board.
Individuals interested in participating in the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2020 can apply online at LeadershipFortWayne.com. Applicants for the LFW program are evaluated on the merits of their application. All applications are due June 30, 2019. Late applications will not be considered. For additional information, email leadership@greaterfortwayneinc.com or call (260) 420-6945.
About AWS Foundation
Founded in 2007, AWS Foundation supports a wide range of organizations and service agencies in northeast Indiana working to develop a community in which people with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life. For more information, visit www.awsfoundation.org.
About Leadership Fort Wayne
Since 1983, LFW has been building better leaders, developing skills that prepare them to support the growth and economic goals of the community and be better employees.  They learn and grow together for eight months, going ‘behind the headlines’ for the real story behind Fort Wayne’s most valued treasures. Participants work in Community Action Teams, raising funds and creating partnerships to implement projects. To learn more, visit LeadershipFortWayne.com.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs, and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention, and community engagement.
