Engaging the underserved in community leadership development: Step Up to Leadership graduates in northwest Missouri tell their stories

In the face of growing challenges in rural America, policy-makers, academics, and practitioners are increasingly advocating for a more homegrown approach to rural development that seeks to identify and build upon internal community assets, such as the development of community leadership and entrepreneurship capacity. An interpretive case study analysis explored the impact of a community leadership program on participants’ leadership skills, their well-being, and that of their communities. Data were obtained from participant surveys and interviews with graduates of the program and professionals knowledgeable of the leadership program. Through participation in the program, participants improved their ability to interact with others; gained increased understanding of civic responsibility and awareness of local resources; improved their knowledge of community issues; and grew in self-confidence, employability, and optimism. Interaction with professionals and other community members during and outside the program created networking opportunities -- bridging social capital.