The Ohio Alliance of YMCAs is offering a 9-month professional development experience to rising stars at YMCAs located in Ohio. The focus of the academy will be to strengthen leadership competencies, professional and personal development, functional expertise in a variety of disciplines, and learn from experienced leaders in and outside the Y. Course work will include both theory and practical application of skills, presentations, group & individual work, and homework assignments through in-person and virtual meetings.
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. YMCA leadership staff at a director level or higher
2. One year of employment at an Ohio YMCA
3. Budget and staff supervision responsibilities at their YMCA
4. Commitment to the YMCA profession
5. Supervisor/CEO support and endorsement
6. Ability to commit to full and active engagement and participation in every session throughout the program, approximately 66 hours. 20+ hours of homework/planning, in addition to seven days of in-person meetings and six virtual sessions.
To apply:
Complete this application form and upload your resume and a letter of interest explaining your commitment to the YMCA and what you hope to gain by participating in the academy, and an endorsement letter from your supervisor. Submissions are due no later than 12 pm (noon) on July 23, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Registration Fee:
$1325
- 375 (paid for by the Dennis Ruble Memorial Fund )
- 250 (from the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs)
$700 due from the participant/YMCA
The fee includes:
- one-night lodging and meals for August and January in-person sessions
- meals for the October and March in-person sessions
The fee is due upon acceptance into the Academy.
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. YMCA leadership staff at a director level or higher
2. One year of employment at an Ohio YMCA
3. Budget and staff supervision responsibilities at their YMCA
4. Commitment to the YMCA profession
5. Supervisor/CEO support and endorsement
6. Ability to commit to full and active engagement and participation in every session throughout the program, approximately 66 hours. 20+ hours of homework/planning, in addition to seven days of in-person meetings and six virtual sessions.
To apply:
Complete this application form and upload your resume and a letter of interest explaining your commitment to the YMCA and what you hope to gain by participating in the academy, and an endorsement letter from your supervisor. Submissions are due no later than 12 pm (noon) on July 23, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.
Registration Fee:
$1325
- 375 (paid for by the Dennis Ruble Memorial Fund )
- 250 (from the Ohio Alliance of YMCAs)
$700 due from the participant/YMCA
The fee includes:
- one-night lodging and meals for August and January in-person sessions
- meals for the October and March in-person sessions
The fee is due upon acceptance into the Academy.
Schedule (subject to change):
2026
- August 7, 10-11 am – Virtual orientation
- August 27-28, 12 pm – 12 pm – In-person opening session and Academy kickoff. Mohican State Park Lodge
- August 29-September 24 – Small Group Coaching Calls
- September 25, 10 am-12 pm – Virtual session
- October 22, 10 am-4 pm – One-day in-person session. Delaware YMCA
- November 20, 10 am-12 pm – Virtual session
- November 23-December 4 – individual coaching calls
- December 18, 10 am-12 pm – Virtual session
2027
- January 7-8, 12 pm-12 pm – In-person session, Mohican State Park Lodge
- January 9-March 4 – Peer visits
- February 5, 10 am-12 pm – Virtual session
- February 6 – March 4 – Individual Coaching Calls
- March 5, 10 am-4 pm – In-person session, Delaware YMCA
- April 6-7 – Final Presentation & Recognition, Hyatt Regency Downtown Columbus
Please fill out the following information: