PIQUA — The Edison Foundation’s Academy for Community Leadership will begin its 13th program of classes, Jan. 20, for those who serve as members and executive directors of not-for-profit boards.

The classes are designed to help individuals make a difference on their boards and in their communities.

Enrollments is now open. Several local foundations have provided a number of scholarships for individuals to participate and the subsequent Leadership Conference in May. The scholarship application deadline is Oct. 16.

Edison State Community College hosts the 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. sessions set for Jan. 20, Feb. 17, March 16, April 20, and May 18. The popular Academy attracted a full class of students last year and graduated those individuals at the Mosaic Conference held in May.

Course material is based on the book, “The Board Members Guide,” which highlights the individual and the board; the work of the board; leadership of the board; and the board and the community.

Dr. Richard Adams of Troy, Shirley Magoteaux, of Versailles, Virginia Matz, of Sidney, Cheryl Stiefel-Francis, of Piqua, and Judy Westerheide, of Sidney, authored the book. Patricia Robinson, of Troy, acted through the Paul G. Duke Foundation to help make production of the book possible.

Lorna Swisher, executive director of Main Street Piqua, is the academy’s lead course facilitator for the 2016 class. She and invited guests will offer participants their expertise on a variety of topics including the recruitment of board members, institutional budgeting, board evaluation and community awareness and collaboration.

Registration and the scholarship application are available at www.edisonohio.edu/academy. For information, 937-778-7805 or email [email protected].