Wichita center offers leadership training The Kansas Leadership Center will offer up to $1 million in intensive leadership training to an organization tackling a large issue.

Kansas groups interested in tackling a significant public issue can apply for up to $1 million in leadership training to get the job done.

The Wichita-based Kansas Leadership Center will provide in-depth leadership training to up to 400 people from the chosen organization in its first Academy for Team Leadership. The goal is to help "quickly move the needle on a tough issue," said Ed O'Malley, the center's president and CEO.

"We believe (this opportunity) will demonstrate in a short time period that real progress can be made when you invest in leadership development," he said.

Training is expected to take two to four years.

Kansas organizations such as nonprofits, city governments and school districts are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 13.

The academy is the first large training initiative offered by the Leadership Center, established in 2007 by the Kansas Health Foundation.

Its mission is to foster civic leadership to build prosperous communities in Kansas.

O'Malley said he hopes Kansas organizations will step up with a variety of great ideas worth tackling, such as school districts looking to increase graduation rates or agencies striving to reverse downward trends in public health.

"The key is whether they (the organizations) are truly committed to making progress on a truly tough challenge," he said.