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LAKELAND, FL (January 17, 2023) - Sara Roberts McCarley, Lakeland City Commissioner has been named one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars’ (PLS) eighth annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson and their administrations. The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession, or organization. McCarley’s project, the Community Classroom, is a one-day program that includes interactive sessions with local elected officials, city/county managers, utility directors, public transit leaders, and community leaders to promote the importance of voting locally and connect students with public servants and their roles. The goal is to enhance the students' academic successes, interpersonal communications, and soft skills, and teach the importance of local awareness and how students can contribute to that end in meaningful ways. McCarley said, “I am proud to join the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, Class of 2023! The program serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world.” During the six-month program, McCarley will develop her initiative focused on enhancing civic engagement. She hopes to gain knowledge and resources that can be shared in serving the Lakeland and Polk County communities in a positive impactful way. City of Lakeland Mayor, Bill Mutz said, “We are very proud of Sara being chosen as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. We look forward to hearing about her experiences as she goes through the program. Her insight and continued educational growth will certainly benefit the local community and beyond as she applies new initiatives and honed skills to her own leadership style.” Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact. Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities, and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 94% of Scholars said their confidence in how they lead social change has improved as a result of PLS, and 98% of Scholars reported they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program. The 2023 program will begin on Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C.
LAKELAND, FL (January 17, 2023) - Sara Roberts McCarley, Lakeland City Commissioner has been named one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars’ (PLS) eighth annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and create meaningful change in the United States and around the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson and their administrations.
The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession, or organization.
McCarley’s project, the Community Classroom, is a one-day program that includes interactive sessions with local elected officials, city/county managers, utility directors, public transit leaders, and community leaders to promote the importance of voting locally and connect students with public servants and their roles. The goal is to enhance the students' academic successes, interpersonal communications, and soft skills, and teach the importance of local awareness and how students can contribute to that end in meaningful ways.
McCarley said, “I am proud to join the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, Class of 2023! The program serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world.” During the six-month program, McCarley will develop her initiative focused on enhancing civic engagement. She hopes to gain knowledge and resources that can be shared in serving the Lakeland and Polk County communities in a positive impactful way.
City of Lakeland Mayor, Bill Mutz said, “We are very proud of Sara being chosen as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. We look forward to hearing about her experiences as she goes through the program. Her insight and continued educational growth will certainly benefit the local community and beyond as she applies new initiatives and honed skills to her own leadership style.”
Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.
Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities, and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 94% of Scholars said their confidence in how they lead social change has improved as a result of PLS, and 98% of Scholars reported they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program.
The 2023 program will begin on Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C.