Montana Grown Leadership Academy

What is the Montana Grown Leadership Academy (MGLA)? 

Montana’s local governments face challenges in preparing new leaders. Although supervisors hold some of the most critical roles in an organization, they often receive the least support.  

The Montana Grown Leadership Academy (MGLA) was created to equip current and emerging leaders with the professional development needed to succeed in supervisory roles. 

The MSU Extension Local Government Center is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive, and respectful of all employees while addressing the unique needs of local government leadership in Montana.  

MGLA programming delivers leadership development trainings tailored specifically for local government professionals, ensuring the cultivation of skilled, effective supervisors who can strengthen Montana’s local governments. 

Montana Grown Leadership Series 

Foundations Series

The Foundation Series offers 1-day, in-person courses featuring 6-7 interactive sessions focused on building leadership and management skills, fostering team development and communication, and covering essential HR topics and local government knowledge.  

Foundation Series courses blend learning with practical application in a classroom setting. 

Topics rotate approximately every six months, with four distinct courses cycling over a two-year period to provide comprehensive leadership development for Montana’s local government professionals. 

Deep Dives 

Deep Dives are designed for local government professionals seeking an intensive learning experience. Each course includes a 1-day, in-person session focused on an in-depth exploration of a single, overarching topic, followed by a month of practical application in participants’ work environments.  

After this practice period, participants reconvene virtually for a 2-3 hour session that fosters accountability, reflection, and continued learning through scaffolded instruction.  

These courses provide deep exposure to critical topics, blending theoretical insight with real-world application and structured support for growth.  

Topics rotate approximately every six months, with future offerings shaped by participant demand and emerging needs in Montana’s local governments. 

 Annual MGLA Schedule

Questions 

Reach out to Christine Hodges (christine.hodges1@montana.edu) with any questions about MGLA programs.