Sumner Newscow report — Sumner County needs future leaders to fill our local elected positions and to lead our community, civic, and charitable organizations. The Sumner County Leadership Initiative identifies and raises future Sumner County leaders, providing them with the tools they need to comfortably step into leadership positions that can help sustain and grow our communities and Sumner County.

The 2025-2026 Sumner County Leadership Initiative classes will start in October. Sumner County Leadership Initiative (SCLI) was formed to be the center of excellence for civic leadership development in Sumner County and its communities. The purpose of SCLI is to identify future leaders from all communities in Sumner County, to raise their awareness of the challenges facing our cities and surrounding areas, and to inspire them to accept the responsibility of providing the leadership necessary for our county to succeed and thrive.

The classes will be held on the second Wednesday of every month, beginning October 8, 2025, and continuing through May 2026. The class times are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except for February (overnight trip to Topeka) and May (wrap up and graduation 9-5).

Classes will be held in various communities within Sumner County each month. The cost of the class is $175.00 per person. Limited scholarships are available. The class size will be limited, so early registration is suggested. Applications are available at Sumner County Economic Development office, 215 S.  Washington, Wellington. Applications are due by October 1.