Make a Difference! Leadership Academy

The Make a Difference! Leadership Academy is one of several grassroots education initiatives designed to equip Duval County residents with leadership skills they can use to encourage changes in their neighborhoods that promote healthier Black birth outcomes.

The Leadership Academy is a key component of the life-course framework. Its goal is to change the trajectory of a community through the individuals trained and assisted in the development of a community action plan. This plan outlines a specific project to move a community to action.

Training spans over a 8-12-week period (two hours per week) that includes classroom and virtual sessions, guest speakers and field trips. All Duval County residents, ages 18-44, are encouraged to participate in this important community effort.

We’re currently recruiting for our second spring 2025 class, which kicks off Thursday, May 8 through June 26, from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday at the Center of Hope at the Emmett Reed Center located at 1093 W. 6th Street in Jacksonville. Dinner and free childcare is provided. Please submit your application. For more information, contact Cathy Dupont at 904.801.3352 or cdupont@nefhsc.org.