Albert Lea has a great opportunity over the next nine months for a cohort of 24 residents to learn how to become better leaders and be a positive force for change in the community.

The nationally recognized opportunity, through the Blandin Community Leadership Program, is underwritten by the Blandin Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen rural Minnesota communities, according to its website.

Albert Lea has had at least a half dozen groups of residents participate in the program previously, and we encourage others to take advantage of the chance to be a part of it this time around. The program is aimed to help develop participant’s knowledge and skills in how to address the community’s challenges and opportunities and then how to work together to make a difference.

Those selected for the program will take part in eight days of training, including a five-day residential retreat in October, and three follow-up workshops. The program covers costs for training, materials, food, lodging and tuition.

Applications are due Aug. 6. Applications can be found at blandinfoundation.org/news-room/events/albert-lea-area/.