Overview and Objectives:

The Academy is designed to be activity as well as lecture based and will consist of multiple sessions during the school year for freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As freshmen, students learn the legacy of Senator Ford and also begin exploring leadership in action. As sophomores, and continuing through their junior and senior years, students begin to engage in issue-driven conversations and learn to understand both sides of issues in order to reach compromise.

In addition, students learn to appreciate public service as well as develop skills needed in any discipline or work environment; meeting timelines, effective listening, punctuality, and group consensus building.

Components of Wendell H. Ford Statesmanship Academy:

• GO VOTE Campaign: In partnership with the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center recognizes the importance of improving voter turnout in our community. All Statesmanship Academy students will have the opportunity to learn more about voter turnout, how it affects their community, and will have the opportunity to take part in the GO VOTE initiative.
• Freshmen Academy 
• Overview of Senator Ford’s life and career & introduction to the 3C’s: Civility, Cooperation, Compromise. 
• Explore: What is a leader? 
• Practicing civil dialogue and cooperation in the history of Owensboro
• Crafting compromise: What it takes to move us forward/the path to success
• Sophomore Academy members will focus on local issues and solutions while having an opportunity to visit local sites and meet with local elected officials. Students continue to discuss topics previously explored in the Freshmen Academy and begin to master the 3C’s. Topics may include:
• Structure & role of local governments
• Economic development &. our local economy
• Teamwork challenges and answering: Why is civic engagement important? 
• Review to understand important issues within the Owensboro/Daviess County community. 
• Junior Academy members will focus on statewide issues and travel to Frankfort during the legislative session to meet with our local representatives and gain a better understanding of the state legislative process. Topics may include:
• Structure & role of state government
• Current legislation including review of how the 3Cs are at play
• Understanding gerrymandering
• Senior Academy members will focus on national issues and solutions while having the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. to learn more about our federal government and the political process. Seniors will also participate in discussions concerning the structure of the federal government and the principles of leadership necessary for effective government. Topics may include:
• Structure & role of federal government
• Immigration
• Understanding the Supreme Court
• Electoral college

Statesmanship Academy Requirements:

• Students are typically accepted into the Statesmanship Academy during their freshman or sophomore year, as the program is designed to build skills over multiple years. However, in rare and exceptional circumstances, students may be admitted at a later grade level.
• Students are expected to attend all Statesmanship Academy regular meetings.
• Students are encouraged to attend two additional group events outside of the school day which may include: an Owensboro City Commission or Daviess County Fiscal Court meeting, a Chamber of Commerce sponsored legislative forum, community leadership event, or a political forum featuring candidates for elected office.
• In keeping with Senator Ford’s motto, “Serve to Learn, Learn to Serve” students are encouraged to participate in community service opportunities throughout the year. 
• We believe it is important for our students to be leaders by giving back to their community.

For more information please contact The Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center at fordgovcenter@gmail.com. Applications can be submitted via our website during our annual enrollment.